Information for renewals

This process is only open to existing Future Leaders Fellows

Successful applicants to the Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) scheme have the opportunity to extend their four-year fellowship by up to a further three years. The renewal funding will continue to support the development of a leading-edge fellow and further the fellow’s work to undertake adventurous, ambitious programmes that tackle difficult and novel challenges. 

The renewal project should be a continuation of the original FLF application. However, it is recognised that the project will have developed and progressed, and a fellow may change the direction of their project over the period of the fellowship. It is expected that fellows may choose to alter their planned programme of research or innovation in response to new discoveries or techniques. This is to build on their own changing experience, or to reflect changing business requirements and market opportunities. 

How to apply

This is an invite only funding opportunity available to current FLF award holders, with three submission windows per year. Fellows will be informed of their application window (and provided with an application link and guidance) with a minimum of 16 months remaining on their fellowship, to ensure that the outcome of the renewal meeting is communicated at least 6–12 months prior to the end date of current fellowships. If you have not received an invitation to apply 16 months prior to your end date, please advise the FLF renewal team as soon as possible.

Eligible fellows should expect to apply to the assessment meeting that aligns with the end date of their initial FLF award (see Renewal Timeline below). If you have been granted a no cost extension, your end date will have been extended to take into account the additional time requested, and this date should be used instead. 

Host organisation support

This section within the renewal application should focus on how Imperial will continue to support your fellowship. UKRI expects this statement to have been approved by your Head of Department.

This section should include:

• How the host has supported you and your programme of work outlined in the original application, including the future commitments the department will make to mentor and support you.
• Evidence how the host will support you, as appropriate for your career development and the vision and approach of the fellowship.
• How your research environment will contribute to the success of the work, in terms of suitability of the host organisation and strategic relevance to the project.
• Confirmation of an open-ended UK based independent research and/or innovation position that the fellow has been successful in securing. If an open-ended position has not yet been secured, the commitment from the Host Organisation and the progress the fellow has made towards securing an open-ended position to be taken up during or upon the completion of the renewal fellowship, must be detailed (in line with organisational employment policies and practices)
• Confirmation of the commitment to the salary of the fellow (60% in years 5 and 6, 80% in year 7), and whether any additional grant funding will be used to contribute to the salary
• Confirmation of the commitment to 50% of any Equipment costs requested in the application 
• If moving host organisation, the new host must maintain any commitments to the fellow as per the original application. This should be highlighted in the supporting statement

Renewal timeline

There will be three renewal panel meetings per year and fellows will be invited to apply to the one aligned with their current fellowship end date. The expected timings for these meetings is below - if you have not received an invitation to apply to the meeting that matches your end date, contact the FLF renewal team as soon as possible.

Renewal Meeting 12 (Eligible end dates Jan-Apr 2026)

• Call close – April 2025 
• Outcomes – July 2025 

Renewal Meeting 13 (Eligible end dates May-Aug 2026)

• Call close – July 2025 
• Outcomes – November 2025

Renewal Meeting 14 (Eligible end dates Sept-Dec 2026)

• Call close – December 2025 
• Outcomes – March 2026

Renewal Meeting 15 (Eligible end dates Jan-April 2027)

• Call close – April 2026
• Outcomes – July 2026

Renewal Meeting 16 (Eligible end dates May-Aug 2027)

• Call close – July 2026
• Outcomes – November 2026

Renewal Meeting 17 (Eligible end dates Sept-Dec 2027)

• Call close – December 2026
• Outcomes – March 2027