# Return to Research Support Bursary (STFC)

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

## Eligibility & scope

Bursary of up to £2,500 for up to 6 months for researchers returning to academic research after a break of 2+ years, to support development of a proposal for the STFC fellowship scheme. UK-based researchers only.

## Summary

The STFC Return to Research Support Bursary offers up to £2,500 for up to six months to support researchers re-entering academic research after a break of two or more years. The bursary funds proposal development for STFC fellowship schemes and is available to UK-based researchers on a rolling basis. This is an entry point for researchers reclaiming research momentum after extended absence from the field.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a break of two or more years from active research
- UK-based researchers affiliated with eligible institutions
- Researchers preparing a proposal for an STFC fellowship scheme
- Career returners aiming to rebuild research capacity and independence

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, apply any time
- Up to six-month bursary duration

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your application around concrete next steps: name the STFC fellowship you are targeting and outline what this bursary will fund in the proposal development process.
- Emphasize the value of your prior research experience and how the break has clarified your research direction rather than treating it as a gap to apologize for.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the STFC Return to Research Support Bursary?

Up to £2,500 for a period of up to six months.

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

UK-based researchers who have had a break of two or more years from active research and are preparing a proposal for an STFC fellowship scheme.

### When can I apply for the Return to Research Support Bursary?

The call operates on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time.

### What should the bursary funds support?

The bursary is intended to support development of a proposal for an STFC fellowship scheme, allowing returners to invest time in planning and writing.

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