Global Talent for Researchers and Academics

Eligible fields

You can apply as a leader or potential leader in academia or research in:

• Science
• Medicine
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Social science

Fast-track endorsement

You may qualify for fast-track endorsement if you have one of the following. Fast-track decisions usually take around 2 weeks.

• An eligible job offer as an academic or researcher
• An individual fellowship
• A research grant approved by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Peer-review endorsement

If you are not eligible for fast track, your application can be peer reviewed instead. This usually takes around 5 weeks. You apply as either exceptional talent (a leader) or exceptional promise (a potential leader, at an early stage of your career).

• Royal Society: science and medicine
• British Academy: humanities and social science
• Royal Academy of Engineering: engineering and technology

Peer-review eligibility

To apply through peer review you need to:

• Work in an approved research discipline
• Be an active researcher, for example in a university, research institute or business
• Have a PhD or equivalent research experience, including industrial or clinical research
• Prove exceptional talent or promise to the endorsing body

Documents for peer review

GOV.UK sets out the documents you need:

• A typed CV of up to 3 sides of A4 outlining your career and any publication history
• A letter of recommendation, written for this application, from an eminent person living in the UK with internationally recognised expertise in your field
• For exceptional talent, a second letter from a different eminent person who is a senior member of a UK organisation and can objectively assess your work
• Each letter must be typed, dated, signed, up to 3 sides of A4, and include contact details and the author’s CV or credentials

How peer-review applications are assessed

Endorsing bodies consider your career history and the international reputation and impact of your work, the strength of your letters and evidence, and how you will contribute to UK research excellence and wider society.

For exceptional promise, they also look at your potential to become a future leader, extra funding secured during or after a fellowship, early-career prizes, and the significance of your contribution for your career stage. For exceptional talent, they look at prestigious prizes, significant funding in the past 10 years, and whether you are regarded as a leader in your field.

Settlement

Researchers and academics may be able to apply to settle after 3 years. Time spent outside the UK doing research counts towards this.