Royal Society of Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), founded in 1783 during the Scottish Enlightenment, is Scotland’s National Academy and the country’s sole multidisciplinary learned society, dedicated to advancing learning and useful knowledge for public good. With a 1,800-strong Fellowship spanning sciences, humanities, arts, medicine, social sciences, business, and public service, RSE mobilises expertise to tackle complex challenges through independence, excellence, diversity, collaboration, and service. It convenes stakeholders across academia, government, business, and civil society to deliver evidence-based policy advice, foster research capacity, and enhance Scotland’s social, economic, and global wellbeing.

RSE funds interdisciplinary research addressing climate change and sustainability, economic prosperity, and social cohesion, via programmes in economy/enterprise, education, international collaboration, original research, and policy. Supported activities include early/mid-career leadership, international exchanges, community health initiatives, innovative technologies, and cross-sector projects like cancer wellbeing, neurological rehab, school health, energy sustainability, and creative industries inclusion. Beneficiaries are researchers, academic leaders, practitioners, and communities, prioritising early-career and underrepresented groups in Scotland.

Eligible applicants are Scottish academic, research, cultural institutions, or community groups (lead based in Scotland; collaborators UK/international OK); formally constituted with grant management experience, no strict income limits but preference for small/medium entities. Grants via online portal (unsolicited when open): Small/Catalyst up to £5,000 (12 months); Collaboration £10k-£150k (24 months); Fellowships up to £52k salary + £5k costs (12 months). Next deadlines: Catalyst 4 Dec 2025; others 8 Apr 2026. No core costs, capital, or unrestricted funding; distinct for rigorous, merit-based awards bridging research and societal impact with global reach.