Researchers at Risk Fellowships: frequently asked questions

You will not be able to apply for this programme if you do not have a contact or connection at a UK research institution. As an alternative, and if you are at risk and are outside the UK, please visit the Cara (the Council for At-Risk Academics) website, click on the ‘get support’ button in the top right-hand corner and follow the instructions. Cara will then be able to review your case to see if they can help you through their own Fellowship Programme.

The scheme is for postdoctoral level and above. If you are a student, you may wish to consider other visa routes for Ukrainians to enter the UK.

The scheme is currently open to Ukrainian researchers. This includes Ukrainian nationals, those based in Ukraine and those displaced from Ukraine during to the current conflict. We hope to be able to open the scheme more widely in due course.

Yes, but it must not be more than five years since you left Ukraine. You must meet all other eligibility criteria, including confirmation by Cara that you are at risk.

Only UK host institutions may contact Cara to conduct a risk assessment at [email protected] – not the individuals being put forward for support. UK host institutions are welcome to engage with potential researchers who might be eligible for this Fellowship via their own networks and then contact Cara for a risk assessment to be undertaken.

For the purposes of the assessment, Cara will require a copy of the ID pages of the researcher’s passport, a fully up-to-date CV, and a short note explaining the specific threat faced by the researcher.

We would consider any reasonable costs related to coming to the UK in order to take up the fellowship as eligible and we would work with you to make that possible with respect to the formal start date of the award.

You can read more under the ‘Eligible Costs’ heading on our guidance page.

It is possible to have the fellowship award either full or part time.

It is anticipated that applicants will receive notification of the outcome by the end of the calendar month following the submission of a completed application. The progress of the application can be tracked by logging in to the Flexi-Grant system at any time.

The fellowship award holders will be required to be present at their respective UK host institution. However, attendance at conferences, research trips, visits to archives and libraries and similar activities that are essential for conducting the proposed research/innovation or for developing the individual’s career prospects are encouraged where appropriate.

The named primary applicant is likely to be a member of staff at the host institution who will facilitate the submission of the application. The academic mentor must be an academic member of staff at your institution.