The UK government has announced the launch of their new global talent initiative that hopes to attract the world’s brightest researchers, engineers, and creatives to boost the country’s economy and drive innovation in key sectors
With over £115 million in new funding, the move is part of the government’s Plan for Change and will directly support the upcoming modern Industrial Strategy.
£54 million global talent fund revealed
A big part of this initiative is a new £54 million Global Talent Fund, designed to support the relocation of world-class research teams to the UK. Delivered over five years starting from 2025/26, the fund will cover 100% of eligible costs, including relocation, research expenses, and full visa fees for researchers and their families.
The fund will be administered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and distributed through leading universities and research organisations.
The aim is to ensure the UK remains a leader in global science and innovation by attracting talent that can help drive breakthroughs in sectors such as health, technology, and clean energy.
The Global Talent Taskforce
Along with the funding, the government is launching a Global Talent Taskforce, a new body reporting directly to the Prime Minister and Chancellor. This task force will identify and approach top-tier talent globally, including researchers, entrepreneurs, and creatives, to encourage them to relocate to the UK.
The task force will coordinate with UK embassies and consulates to build a strong talent pipeline and ensure that the UK remains a top destination for highly skilled individuals. It will also showcase the UK’s strengths in research and development, innovation ecosystems, and quality of life, making the country a good option for global leaders in science and business.
Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle said:
“Genius is not bound by geography. But the UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to fertilise brilliant ideas, and turn them into new medicines that save lives, new products that make our lives easier, and even entirely new jobs and industries.
“My message to those who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is simple. We want to work with you, to support you, and to give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.”
Routes and fellowships
Along with the central fund, two new fast-track fellowship schemes have also been introduced. These include a £30 million international stream from the Royal Society’s Faraday Discovery Fellowships and a similar initiative through the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Green Future Fellowships, which focus on tackling climate change.
In addition, the UK is investing £25 million into the Turing AI Global Fellowships, aimed at bringing top AI researchers to UK institutions. These fellowships will support the development of new artificial intelligence technologies and applications.
The Encode: AI for Science Fellowship is also being expanded, embedding elite AI talent into advanced scientific labs in the UK. Participants in this programme are expected to begin arriving by autumn 2025.
Supporting the UK’s long-term growth
These initiatives are part of a coordinated effort to reinforce the UK’s position as a world leader in innovation. With competition for global talent intensifying, the UK government is focused on removing barriers, such as visa costs and relocation expenses, that may deter skilled individuals from relocating.
By attracting international talent to complement domestic expertise, the UK aims to accelerate growth in strategic industries, improve public services, and create high-value jobs nationwide.
