Freemasons' Fund for Surgical Research

The Freemasons' Fund for Surgical Research, established in 1967 to mark the 250th anniversary of the United Grand Lodge of England, is a Masonic charity dedicated to advancing surgical science and saving lives through innovative clinical research. Founded via an appeal by the Earl of Scarborough and sustained by Freemason donations—including a £2.4 million gift in 2014—its mission centers on perpetual funding of research fellowships administered exclusively by the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS). Governed by eminent Freemason trustees appointed by the Grand Master, the Fund embodies Masonic values of service, knowledge advancement, and stewardship, channeling invested capital into high-impact grants that foster next-generation surgical leaders and evidence-based improvements in patient outcomes.

It exclusively supports project-specific clinical surgical research fellowships for RCS surgical trainees and early-career surgeons, addressing critical areas like cancer biomarkers (prostate, breast, pancreatic, thyroid, gastric), infection prevention, stem cell reconstruction, neonatal bowel disease, frailty in emergency surgery, and bowel cancer outcomes. These one-year grants enable dedicated research time at leading UK institutions such as Imperial College London and University of Liverpool, with fellows often presenting findings to Masonic lodges for outreach.

Eligible applicants are UK academic institutions and medical centers hosting RCS-affiliated surgical fellows; the Fund does not accept unsolicited applications—interested parties must apply directly via RCS's annual competitive peer-reviewed process, with no direct route to the Fund. Typical annual grants to RCS range from £220,000 to £316,000, supporting about four fellowships (£50,000–£70,000 each); RCS sets deadlines (typically early autumn). It excludes core funding, unrestricted grants, non-surgical research, or non-UK projects, distinguishing itself through its laser-focused, sustainable model tied to one partner institution and Masonic philanthropy.