UK Launches £54 Million Talent Fund to Attract Global Researchers and Innovators in 2025

In 2025, the UK government has launched a £54 million Global Talent Fund—backed by a newly formed Global Talent Taskforce—aimed at attracting top-tier researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and their teams to the UK. Administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the fund will cover relocation expenses, visa fees, and research costs over five years for around 10 world-class scientific teams in key sectors like life sciences, AI, clean energy, and quantum technologies.

This initiative aligns with broader strategies to boost investment in R&D—bringing total annual funding to £22 billion by 2029–30—and enhances other talent-focused offerings such as the Royal Society’s £30 million Faraday Fellowship and the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Green Future Fellowships.

What’s on Offer for Global Researchers & Innovators?

1# £54 Million Global Talent Fund (2025–2030):

• Full relocation costs for international researchers and their teams
• Full research funding aligned with UK’s industrial strategy priorities
• Visa fees for researchers and their dependents fully covered
• 100% of eligible costs, with no match-funding requirement
• Funding allocated via UKRI to top universities and research institutions.The full cost of relocation for international researchers and their teams
• Complete research funding that is consistent with the industrial strategy priorities of the United Kingdom
• Visa fees for researchers and their dependents are entirely reimbursed.
• Match-funding is not necessary; 100% of eligible costs are covered.
• UKRI allocates funding to prestigious universities and research institutions.

2# Dedicated Global Talent Taskforce:

• Proactively identifies and recruits high-potential talent on a global scale
• Offers personalized relocation support
• Works through research networks and embassies in the United Kingdom on a global scale.

3# Fast-Track Fellowships Now Open:

• Faraday Discovery Fellowships of the Royal Society (£30 million funding stream)
• Green Future Fellowships at the Royal Academy of Engineering
• Turing AI Global Fellowships (£25 million for world-class AI researchers)
• Encode: AI for Science Fellowship – an immersive, high-speed innovation program.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is designed for world-class professionals and visionaries, including:

• Academic researchers who are either established or in the process
• Technological pioneers and scientific innovators
• Entrepreneurs in the fields of health, AI, deep tech, advanced manufacturing, and climate
• Industrial R&D professionals, STEM PhDs, and engineering experts
• Digital and creative innovators who are prepared to expand.

If your work solves global problems or shapes future industries, the UK wants to host your next breakthrough.

Check Also: University of Gloucestershire Merit Scholarship in UK – Funded

What Happens Next?

• Distribution of the £54M fund will commence in late 2025.
• Calls for researchers to submit will be announced by prominent UK universities and research institutions in the near future.
• New visa and fellowship routes will be accessible, featuring fast-track processing, no visa cost, and the inclusion of dependents.
• The Taskforce will commence global outreach immediately. You may be contacted directly or submit an application through the forthcoming UKRI announcement. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-launches-global-talent-drive-to-attract-world-leading-researchers-and-innovators.

Frequently Asked Questions: