# Return to Research Support Bursary

**Funder:** STFC
**Budget:** Up to £2,500
**Duration:** Up to 6 months
**Consortium:** No
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/return-to-research-support-bursary/
**Last verified:** 20 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers returning to academic research after a career break of 2+ years. Funds up to £2,500 for up to 6 months to develop a proposal for submission to the STFC fellowship scheme. Individual applicants only.

## Summary

The STFC Return to Research Support Bursary funds researchers returning to academic research after a break of two or more years, with up to £2,500 for up to six months to develop a proposal for STFC fellowship schemes. Open to individual applicants in the UK, this scheme is designed to help mid-career researchers refresh skills and build competitive fellowship applications. It is a stepping stone explicitly tailored to the career-break transition.

## Who should apply

- Researchers returning to academic research after a career break of 2+ years
- Individual applicants based in the UK
- Researchers planning to apply for STFC fellowship schemes
- Early-career and mid-career physicists, astronomers, and nuclear scientists

## Key dates

- Up to six-month funding period per award

## Tips for applicants

- Use the bursary to refresh methodological skills or rebuild networks before committing to a full fellowship proposal.
- Frame your proposal development plan concretely, STFC wants to see a clear path from bursary output to a fundable fellowship application.
- Identify your target STFC fellowship scheme (Future Leaders, Consolidated Grants, etc.) early; bursary planning must align with the actual scheme's requirements.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the STFC Return to Research Support Bursary provide?

Up to £2,500 per award.

### Who is eligible for the STFC Return to Research Support Bursary?

Researchers returning to academic research after a career break of two or more years, applying as individuals based in the UK.

### How long does the STFC Return to Research Support Bursary last?

Up to six months per award.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/stfc-return-to-research-support-bursary-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.