Personal funding awards for early career researchers to transition to or establish their research independence in any discipline supported by UKRI.
These awards allow fellows protected time to concentrate fully on their research, training and development. In most cases a fellow is expected to spend 100% of their working time on their fellowship, though they may spend up to six hours a week (more for clinically active fellows) on other commitments or related activities, provided they enhance career development.
Applicants are encouraged to think broadly about the type of activities they might pursue as part of their research or innovation objectives. This could include:
- time for work in other environments
- developing international links
- developing new skills (for example, in policy or commercialisation)
Appropriate career development opportunities should also be considered. This could include mentoring, professional training and development, and relevant training courses that will underpin future career ambitions and learning.
ELIGIBILITY
Applicants are expected to hold a doctorate by the start date of the fellowship or be able to demonstrate equivalent research/innovation experience and/or training.
There are no eligibility rules around years since completion of a PhD or whether the applicant currently holds a permanent/open-ended academic position or job role. However, those who have already achieved research independence (for example, by securing funding aimed at this career stage) and senior academics are not permitted to apply.
Applicants can be from outside the host institution and can come from beyond the UK.
This scheme supports people on diverse career paths, including those returning from a career break or following time in other roles.
VALUE AND DURATION
There is no limit to the amount of funding that can be requested (the scheme has previously funded fellowships from £300,000 to over £2 million, and there is no preference for lower or higher cost proposals).
Fellowships will be funded for four years in the first instance, with the option to renew for a further three years during year four.
KEY DATES
Call opens: 2 February 2026
Deadline: 16 June 2026*
*The University of Worcester can submit two applications to this call. We will therefore be inviting Expressions of Interest from eligible internal and external candidates and will run a selection process ahead of time to select the two applications to be put forward.
Please note that the above information is subject to change and full guidance will be made available once the call opens. In the meantime, please use details of the previous round as a guide.
Click here for links to previous FLF outcomes and EDI data, as well as a database of fellows, their range of disciplines and how to get in touch with them if you have any questions.