The Royal Academy of Engineering, in partnership with the UK Government Office for Science, invites applications for the UK Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships. This prestigious scheme supports early-career researchers in science and engineering to conduct unclassified basic research addressing areas of strategic interest to the UK intelligence, security, and defence communities.
These fellowships provide an exceptional opportunity to contribute to national priorities, work closely with leading academics and practitioners, and develop as a future research leader.
Fellowship Overview
The UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are designed to:
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Enable outstanding early-career researchers to undertake cutting-edge projects aligned with the needs of the UK IC.
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Provide mentorship from Academy Fellows and IC Advisors, offering guidance on research direction, career development, and professional networking.
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Support Fellows with reduced teaching and administrative duties, allowing them to focus fully on research.
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Offer access to training programs, workshops, and networking events, connecting Fellows with peers, senior researchers, and IC experts.
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Provide membership in the Awardee Excellence Community, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across disciplines and career stages.
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Make Fellows eligible for a fast-track Global Talent Visa endorsement for international researchers.
Funding
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Maximum funding contribution: £250,000 over 2 years, at 80% of full economic costs (fEC).
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Funds cover research expenses, including materials, equipment, travel related to the project, and conference attendance.
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Additional professional development and networking opportunities are included as part of the fellowship package.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be an early-career researcher with up to five years of postdoctoral experience.
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Be a citizen of Andorra, Australia, Canada, the EEA, Monaco, New Zealand, San Marino, Switzerland, the UK, the US, or Vatican City.
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Demonstrate a strong track record in research and an interest in applying their skills to IC-relevant challenges.
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Collaborate with a University Research Advisor and engage with an IC Advisor to develop and deliver the research project.
Research Topics
The fellowships cover a broad range of IC-relevant topics, including but not limited to:
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Advanced sensing and measurement technologies: quantum sensors, RF systems, and optically transparent antennas.
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Artificial intelligence and machine learning: behavioural detection, cybercrime modeling, deepfake analysis, and AI-driven forensic methods.
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Cybersecurity and risk management: insider threats, privacy coin deanonymization, and information management.
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Forensic and analytical methods: trace explosives analysis, DNA microhaplotypes, and magnetic resonance isotope tracing.
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Environmental and energy intelligence: ocean acoustic modeling, sustainable power generation through engineering biology, and energy harvesting for IoT.
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Emerging security technologies: uncrewed aerial system detection, Faraday-on-demand systems for secure facilities, and origami/self-actuating antennas.
(The definitive list of 2026 topics is published by the Academy.)
Benefits
Fellows receive:
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Generous funding for 2 years of postdoctoral research.
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Dedicated mentorship from Academy Fellows and IC Advisors.
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Opportunities for collaboration with leading researchers across academia and the IC.
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Reduced teaching and administrative duties for focused research.
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Access to Awardee Excellence Community events to build networks and share knowledge.
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Eligibility for Global Talent Visa fast-track endorsement for international candidates.
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Support for professional and career development, including workshops, conferences, and training.
Application Process
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Applications are submitted online via the Royal Academy of Engineering Grants Management System.
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Applicants must work with a University Research Advisor and align their proposal with one of the defined IC research topics.
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Only one application round per year is offered.
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After submission, candidates are shortlisted and invited for assessment and interviews.
Deadline: 28 April 2026, 4:00 PM BST
Diversity and Inclusion
The Royal Academy of Engineering and the UK Government Office for Science are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are strongly encouraged from individuals in underrepresented groups across engineering, including women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. All applications are assessed fairly, regardless of age, gender, race, disability, or personal background.
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