Funding for promising early career researchers who can demonstrate a capacity for independent research.
The focus of the proposed research project must address one or more of the following priority research themes outlined in Vivensa’s strategic framework:
- Research that focuses on the underlying biological mechanisms of ageing-related conditions and disease, in particular, addressing inequalities in the rate of biological ageing and the links and interactions with the social determinants of health.
- Research that addresses the causes, management and treatment of specific conditions which have been shown to be under-addressed and under-funded in research relative to their prevalence in older age groups. The Vivensa Foundation has identified age-related issues associated with:
- vision
- hearing loss
- infection(s)
- respiratory disease
- musculoskeletal conditions
- Scaling and spreading person-centred interventions that have the potential to prevent, delay or reduce future health and social care requirements, particularly through the promotion of innovative VCSE-researcher-public sector partnerships.
- Planning for, designing and developing suitable homes and communities for an ageing population while also addressing the needs of underserved communities.
Priority will be given to those applications that most clearly and credibly demonstrate alignment with one or more priority research themes.
All proposals, regardless of topic, should also be aligned with the Foundation’s key principles for research, in particular:
- Patient, carer and/or public involvement (PPI) should be considered in all aspects of the proposed study and its development.
- Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) should be considered in all aspects of the proposed study and its development.
- A commitment to capacity-building and researcher career-development in ageing-related research during and beyond the lifetime of the proposed Fellowship – in line with Vivensa’s action plan in support of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers – should be demonstrated, with practical examples.
- Where appropriate, proposals should demonstrate a multidisciplinary approach to the proposed research.
ELIGIBILITY
This scheme is for researchers with one to three years’ postdoctoral research experience at the time of the application deadline. Career breaks, parental leave, etc. will be taken into account.
Note that this scheme prioritises areas which are underfunded or are not associated with significant, dedicated national or international charities (e.g. applications with a specific focus on cancer will not be accepted).
Work that primarily benefits people outside the UK and/or organisations based outside the UK will not be funded.
Multiple candidates can apply from the same academic institution. However, only one candidate per Faculty / Department / School / Centre / Institute (or equivalent body) may apply. Those interested in applying should therefore contact researchoffice@worc.ac.uk in the first instance.
VALUE AND DURATION
This scheme will make four awards of up to £350,000 over three years full-time (and up to six years part-time, equating to a minimum time commitment of 0.5 full-time equivalent).
KEY DATES
Deadline: 22 May 2026
Interviews for shortlisted applicants: 12 November 2026
Outcome notifications: 17 December 2026
Call guidelines and a sample application form can be found below and on the opportunity webpage. See also Vivensa’s funding FAQs for guidance on what a good application looks like and 10 tips for writing a stronger research funding application.