Research Fellowships
Research fellowships offer a powerful route to develop research independence, shape a distinctive academic profile and deliver work with lasting impact. Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ supports researchers at all career stages to navigate the fellowship landscape and develop competitive, well prepared applications. If you are considering the next step in your research career, guidance and support are available throughout the process.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ recognises the pivotal role fellowships play in shaping successful research careers. TheyÌýenable researchers to develop and lead ambitious, innovative research programmes thatÌýaddress real world challenges in food, agriculture, land use and the rural economy.
Fellowships are highly competitive and require clear vision, strategic planning and sufficientÌýtime for development. Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ provides a supportive environment that helps applicantsÌýstrengthen their ideas, align with funder expectations and submit high quality proposals.
What is a research fellowship?
A fellowship differs from a standard research project by supporting an individual to establishÌýand lead a coherent research programme centred on a distinctive research niche.
Whether at post doctoral stage or seeking research independence later in a career,Ìýfellowships provide an opportunity to demonstrate intellectual leadership, strategic thinkingÌýand long term research ambition. Successful fellowships often represent a key step towards aÌýpermanent academic position in the UK or internationally.
Applying with Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ as host institution
Researchers interested in applying with Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ as host institution are encouraged to engageÌýearly. An internal expression of interest process helps ensure applications are well alignedÌýwith funder priorities and appropriately supported.
For fellowship applications planned within the 2026 calendar year, applicants are asked toÌýcomplete the by 16 January 2026.
While some calls are not yet open, most fellowship deadlines fall between February and May.ÌýEarly engagement allows time for proposal development, feedback and institutional supportÌýwhere required.
Fellowships Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ can host
We can host a wide range of national and international fellowship schemes, including:
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, UKRI
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, UKRI
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, ESPRC
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, UKRI
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, Royal Society
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, Royal Society
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Monitoring of EDI characteristics isÌýundertaken through a separate anonymous form completed as part of the application process.
Support and contact
Applying for a fellowship is demanding but rewarding. Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ offers support from early ideaÌýdevelopment through to submission, helping applicants to build strong, credible andÌýcompetitive proposals.
By starting early, planning carefully and making full use of available support, researchers canÌýposition themselves strongly for these prestigious opportunities.
For further information and to begin the process, please complete the .
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