Early independence: clinician scientist fellowship

This Medical Research Council fellowship, part of UKRI's Fellowship Investment Framework, supports clinically active researchers who hold a PhD and show career consolidation and productivity to lead their own research plans, establish a research niche, start building a team and make the first step towards independence. Applications are welcome from across MRC's remit to improve human health, from basic studies of disease mechanisms to translational and developmental clinical research, including infections and immunity, molecular and cellular medicine, population and systems medicine, neurosciences and mental health, translation, global health, methodology and public health. The fellowship funds the fellow's salary and project costs at 80% of the full economic cost for up to five years (pro rata for part-time fellowships), and joint funding with a collaborating organisation is possible. Each application needs at least one senior sponsor in the host department. The opening date was 21 October 2026 and the closing date is 13 January 2027 at 4:00pm UK time.

Registered healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, healthcare scientists, pharmacists, clinical psychologists, doctors, dentists, general practitioners and veterinarians, with a PhD or equivalent, independent research plans within MRC remit, support from an eligible UK organisation and the intention to be clinically active during or after the award. Medical and dental graduates need specialty registrar or consultant status or the general-practice equivalent. Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, but must hold or plan to hold UK regulatory registration by the start date. Applicants who already hold comparable independence awards, lead grants supporting research staff, or have applied for an MRC fellowship within the last year or twice before are not eligible.