This scheme supports postdoctoral researchers in health-related humanities and social sciences who do not hold established academic posts.

Eligibility and suitability

Who can apply

You can apply for a Research Fellowship if you’re a postdoctoral researcher who wants to carry out an extended period of research on your own project.

You must not have a permanent contract, or a contract that will last longer than this fellowship.

You should also:

be based (or planning to be based) in the UK, Republic of Ireland or a low- or middle-income country

have sponsorship from an eligible host organisation.

In most cases, applicants should have been awarded a PhD before they apply.

What we're looking for

We will assess:

the significance and originality of your proposed research

the suitability and relevance of your approach to your research topic

your previous research contributions eg publications, conference papers, public engagement and policy-related work

the suitability of the host organisation for your research and for developing your independent career.

We consider applications from researchers in the early stages of their careers as well as more established researchers. We’ll consider the suitability of your previous research contributions according to your career stage and experience.

If you’ve been away from research (eg for a career break, parental leave or long-term sick leave), we’ll take this into account when we consider your application.

Most successful applicants will be pursuing university research careers. But we also encourage researchers who want to follow health-related research careers elsewhere. 

Read about grants we've awarded and the research we support in the humanities and social sciences.

We encourage you to check that your application is competitive by discussing your project with:

• your intended supervisor
• researchers in relevant health-related fields
• the research office at your host organisation.

Your supervisor and other researchers

Your supervisor and other researchers will give you advice about the intellectual quality and importance of your project. They will also help you to decide whether it’s the right time for you to apply.

Your research office

Contact your research office as early as possible in the application process. The research office at your host organisation should give you advice about how to design your project, including the budget. The research office should also tell you what information your host organisation needs from you to support your proposal.