Independent research fellowships

Applicants should have a PhD or be expecting to have undergone successful PhD viva prior to the announcement of the award.

Open to all who have received BBSRC funding.  Part time option also available.

Currently closed

Entry requirements: Usually at least three to six years’ successful postdoctoral work with a series of first or senior author high impact research papers.

No closing date

Usually 2 year fellowships carried out part-time. Designed for STEM professionals to return to their career after a break of 2 or more years. Applicants must have had at least 3 years research experience and/or a PhD

Applicants should have typically at least three and up to eight years of research experience since completing your PhD at the time of submitting your preliminary application

Currently closed

The Career Establishment Award offers new group leaders 6 years’ support to enhance their cancer research.

Currently closed

Applicants should typically have between eight and fourteen years of postdoctoral research experience since completing your PhD at the time of submitting the preliminary application and obtained a PhD or MD and extensive post-doctoral research experience if you are a clinician.

Currently closed

Applicants must be in the early stage of their research career with between three and six years' postdoctoral experience from the date of examination for their doctoral degree (PhD viva). Allowance will be given to applicants whose career has been subject to a late start or interruption for family or personal reasons.

Preliminary applications open in March each year, with an annual deadline of 30 October

A single scheme for all career stages (postdoctoral, early career and established career). Applicants are expected to hold a PhD or have equivalent research experience, however, there are no eligibility rules based on years of post-doctoral experience or whether you hold (or do not hold) a permanent academic position.

Apply any time

Non-medical scientists who will usually have 1-4 years’ postdoctoral experience and are intending to work either at a recognised UK research institution or seeking a travel fellowship for relevant work abroad may apply for a Scientific Fellowship with funding and administration via an appropriate UK institution.

Deadline for Junior Fellowships 2022 is 1st July 2021

5 year fellowships for early career researchers (up to 8 years full-time (or equivalent) post-PhD) of any nationality in any area of NERC’s remit

Currently closed

3 year fellowships providing 50% match-funding for applicants within 5 years of their PhD. Open to all subject areas except research that is of direct relevance to studies of disease, illness and disabilities in humans and animals, or research that is intended to inform clinical practice or the development of medical applications.

Currently closed

Up to 3 year fellowships for early career researchers with no more than 3 years’ postdoc experience

Applications open in October 2021

Up to 5 year fellowships for applicants who require a flexible working pattern and have up to 6 years post PhD research experience. Open to all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine

The scheme will open on the 8th September 2021 with a closing date of 3pm on Wednesday 10th November 2021

5 year fellowships for applicants up to 7 years post PhD wishing to build their own UK-based, independent research career addressing an important biomedical question.

Currently closed.  New funding schemes set to open in summer 2021

2-4 year fellowships that give postdoctoral scientists the opportunity to return to high-quality research after a career break of at least 2 years. Applicants should have at least 2 years’ postdoctoral experience.

Currently closed.  New funding schemes set to open in summer 2021

4 year fellowships for the most promising newly-qualified postdoctoral researchers to make an early start in developing their independent research careers in the biomedical sciences. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or be no more than 2 years post PhD

Currently closed.  New funding schemes set to open in summer 2021

Researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since completion of PhD (plus 18 months for each child), a scientific track record showing great promise and an excellent research proposal

Currently closed.  Tenative date for 2022 scheme opening is 23rd September 2021 with a closing date of 13th January 2022.

Researchers of any nationality with 7-12 years of experience since completion of PhD (plus 18 months for each child), a scientific track record showing scientific talent and an excellent research proposal.

Currently closed.  Tenative date for 2022 scheme opening is 19th October 2021 with a closing date of 17th March 2022.