
Scholarships
UKRI Early Career Development Fellowships 2026 in UK
The Medical Research Council is funding the UKRI Early Career Development Fellowships 2026, a career development fellowship that supports outstanding postdoctoral researchers who are ready to establish their own independent research careers at eligible UK research institutions. The fellowship provides funding for up to five years, covering salary, research expenses, equipment, travel, and career development. Researchers from all nationalities are encouraged to apply. The fellowship is intended for postdoctoral researchers pursuing independent research careers, and research proposals must fall within the Medical Research Council's remit and contribute to improving human health. The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries, and international researchers currently living outside the UK are eligible to apply. The Medical Research Council's remit includes eligible fields such as Infections and Immunity, Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Neuroscience, Mental Health, Population Health, Systems Medicine, Public Health, Global Health, Translational Research, Developmental Research, Biomedical Sciences, and Research Methodology. The fellowship provides an opportunity for promising researchers to transition into research independence while receiving long-term financial support. Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent qualification, demonstrate strong research achievements and productivity, and present an original research proposal within the MRC research remit. They must also show clear plans to establish an independent research career, have support from an eligible UK research organization, secure at least one senior departmental sponsor, and conduct research that is substantially independent from previous supervisors. Benefits - Salary for the fellow - Research and technical staff - Laboratory equipment - Research consumables - Career development and training - Research travel and international collaboration - Data management and sharing - NHS research costs (where applicable) - Public and patient involvement activities - Visa application fees - Immigration Health Surcharge costs for the fellow and eligible dependents - Up to five years of research funding - Opportunity to spend up to 12 months at another UK institution, overseas research organization, or industry partner Eligibility - Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent before the fellowship begins - Demonstrate strong research achievements and productivity - Present an original research proposal within the MRC research remit - Show clear plans to establish an independent research career - Have support from an eligible UK research organization - Secure at least one senior departmental sponsor - Conduct research that is substantially independent from previous supervisors - Applicants from all countries are eligible to apply Required Documents - Online application form - Curriculum Vitae (CV) - Research proposal - Career development plan - Academic qualifications - Institutional support statement - Sponsor details - Budget justification - Ethical and data management plans - Any additional supporting documents required by UKRI 2. Obtain support from a senior departmental sponsor and complete the online application through the UKRI funding system 3. Upload all required documents and review the application carefully 4. Click the Apply button below to submit the application before the deadline of September 15, 2026 (4:00 p.m. UK Time)