Before applying for funding, check the .
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has introduced new role types for funding opportunities being run on the new UKRI Funding Service.
For full details, visit .
Who is eligible to apply
To be eligible to apply for the career development award you must:
- have completed a PhD or equivalent
- have the skills and experience that match those of the ‘transition to independence’ career stage in the , such as showing evidence of career progression and productivity across past appointments
- have your own research plans that do not significantly overlap with those of your current group leaders or proposed sponsors
- have the support of an
There are no eligibility rules based on age or years of postdoctoral experience.
International applicants
Applications are welcomed from applicants of all nationalities, including those not currently based in the UK.
This is subject to the fellowship being hosted by an eligible UK based research organisation.
Who is not eligible to apply
You are not eligible to apply if:
- you have applied for this MRC fellowship within the last year
- you have applied for this MRC fellowship twice before
- you have applied for another UKRI fellowship and your application is being assessed
- you have applied for an MRC new investigator research grant and your application is being assessed
- you have held an MRC new investigator research grant, because that award also supports the transition to independence
- you have previously held a comparable fellowship from any organisation
You cannot hold a salaried position and a fellowship at the same time. If you are awarded a fellowship, you will need to give up the permanent position for the duration of the fellowship or change to a proleptic appointment.
If you want to retain an existing position and combine this with research funding, we recommend you look at one of our instead.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.
We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:
- career breaks
- support for people with caring responsibilities
- flexible working
- alternative working patterns
