The Research Grants Council (RGC) is inviting applications for allocations under the Humanities and Social Sciences Prestigious Fellowship Scheme (HSSPFS) 2026/27.
The Fellowship Award
The Scheme was first launched in 2012/13. It aims at granting extended time-off and supporting funds to outstanding investigators with a proven track record of research and publication under the disciplines of the Humanities and Social Sciences Panel to enable them to focus on research work and writing.
A maximum amount of $1 million per award for a period of up to 12 months may be granted and not more than ten awards will be granted for all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities per year.
Eligibility of Applicants
Applicants for subjects under the Humanities and Social Sciences Panel that are eligible for the General Research Fund, except visiting scholars, are eligible to apply. Awardees of the fellowship cannot compete again in future exercises. However, they may hold concurrent project grants awarded by the UGC / RGC and other funding agencies during the period of the fellowship. The Scheme is not only intended to provide time and supporting funds to develop a new research project but also to build on a research programme that is already well-defined and developed. Applicants are reminded to justify the value and appropriateness of the outputs in their applications.
University Nomination
Each university may submit up to five nominations. Evidence of significant and appropriate university’s support for the nominations will be an important criterion in assessing the applications. Universities should provide a statement in the application form to support the nominations and satisfy themselves that the applications abide by applicable laws, including but not limited to the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Awardees of the fellowship are required to undertake their continual services in their respective universities for at least one year upon the completion of the fellowship.
Electronic Submission and Application Deadline
The RGC Electronic System is available for submission of HSSPFS applications from 5 December 2025 to 4 February 2026. All applications should reach the UGC Secretariat through the electronic system by 4 February 2026. Late applications will not be accepted.
Scheme Overview and Guidance Notes
Applicants should read the Scheme Overview and Guidance Notes (i.e. HSSPFS2) (Guidance Notes) carefully before completing the application forms. A full set of the Guidance Notes has been uploaded to the RGC website https://www.ugc.edu.hk/doc/eng/rgc/form/HSSPFS2.pdf.
Update of Proposals
Applicants will be requested to provide an update setting out essential changes to the applications, i.e. the eligibility of the applicants, alternative funding obtained / being requested, declaration of related proposals / projects / research work, investigator’s CV, grant records, etc. through the electronic system by 15 April 2026, if any. Applicants however should not use the opportunity to hand in a substantially changed proposal.
Enquiries
Enquiries about this call and other related matters about the HSSPFS should be directed to the Research Offices of the applicants’ universities. Applicants requiring additional information about internal deadlines, application procedures or assistance in completing the application form may contact the Research Offices of their own universities.