Topic: Early career research

Grants of up to GBP 1,200 support short genetics or genomics courses and laboratory visits to learn specific techniques. Eligible costs include travel, accommodation, subsistence and course fees. Deadlines recur quarterly on 15 February, May, August and November; the next is 15 November 2026. Applicants should apply at least three months before training.

Clay Research Fellowships support exceptional recent PhD mathematicians, including candidates completing their theses. Fellowships normally run until five years after the doctorate and provide salary and research expenses. They may be held internationally subject to employment and immigration constraints. The institute is seeking nominations for 2027; materials should arrive by 15 October 2026 for full consideration. This is a nomination process, rather than an open self-application.

Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers can seek up to GBP 3,000 for a research visit to another laboratory. Apply to the participating journal that best matches the work: Development, Journal of Cell Science or Journal of Experimental Biology. The next deadline is 23 October 2026 for travel after 7 December 2026. This recurring fellowship supports research collaboration; it is not a training-course bursary.

Journal of Experimental Biology supports junior faculty who want to host a graduate student or postdoc for a new collaborative research visit of one to three months. Awards up to GBP 3,000 support the visitor’s travel and subsistence, not research costs. Apply by 27 November 2026 for travel after 4 January 2027. Projects must concern animal comparative physiology or biomechanics.

This annual GBP 15,000 fellowship supports post-PhD field research in physical geography in Arctic or high-mountain environments. Priority is given to studies of past or present environmental change. The current application deadline is 16 November 2026. The official page supplies the application guidance and submission instructions.

An annual award of up to GBP 15,000 supports an experienced researcher leading an expedition in an aquatic environment, including coral reefs, rivers, lakes or shallow seas. Projects should benefit the host country and, where possible, local communities. Applications for the current round close on 16 November 2026.

The Petroleum Research Fund offers USD 125,000 over two years for established investigators to begin a genuinely new direction in fundamental petroleum-relevant research. Preliminary results are not required; extensions of an existing funded project are excluded. At least 60% of the budget supports students. Proposals are currently accepted until 5 pm US Eastern time on 9 October 2026 for consideration in May 2027.

Rufford accepts applications throughout the year for nature-conservation projects in eligible developing or emerging-economy countries. Its staged programme starts with grants up to GBP 7,000 and can progress through later grants to GBP 18,000. It is aimed at building early-career conservation experience through practical projects. There is no fixed application deadline; later grant stages have their own eligibility requirements.

The IGS is accepting proposals to co-sponsor cryosphere workshops, summer schools and related events in 2027. Support is normally up to GBP 3,000 per event and can cover organization, participation support or student and early-career prizes. Priority goes to events linked to IGS symposia or co-sponsored meetings. Apply by 1 October 2026. This is the 2027 round of a recurring event-support programme.

Cancer Research UK offers short-term support for clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals to gain early-career cancer-research experience and generate preliminary data before applying for a PhD or MD fellowship.

Wellcome Early-Career Awards enable researchers to develop an independent research identity through innovative projects that advance understanding of life, health and wellbeing. The November 2026 round is open for applications through the Wellcome Funding platform.