1851 Royal Commission Industrial Fellowships

Applications are open for our Industrial Fellowships, which provide up to £125,000 in funding to support graduates (science, engineering, medicine, design) in pursuing a PhD while working in industry.

The Fellowship offer includes funding of up to £125,000 for an individual to pursue research in partnership with industry. Each fellow conducts their research as an employee at their sponsoring company while pursuing a PhD at a UK university.

Key Dates

• Apply by 10 February 2026 (online application)
• Interviews 24 March 2026 (online)
• Fellowships Start October 2026

How does the Fellowship work?

The candidate together with the employing company identify an area of research that might lead to a new process, product, generate IP, and identify a university research partner, where the PhD will be undertaken.

This unique scheme allows companies to co-create a bespoke research project aligned with their innovation goals, while Fellows gain academic and industrial expertise to accelerate their careers.

Funding Value

• 50% of the Fellow’s salary, (1851's contribution up to £30,000 per year)
• £3,500 travel budget for academic conferences
• Full funding for university and bench fees
• Membership of alumni community
• Networking & events throughout the Fellowship

What type of candidates?

The Commission is looking for bright graduates who have a good first (undergraduate/Masters) degree in science, medicine, engineering or design.

At the time of application, candidates must be employed by or have an offer of employment from a UK based company.

Funding Availability

Applications for Fellowships starting in October 2026 are open with a deadline of February 10. Interviews take place online on March 24 and successful candidates will be informed shortly after.

There are at least ten awards available each year.

How to apply?

Please take a look at our website for further information on the scheme along with case studies of previous fellows and for directions to apply.