Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships

Find out about when and how to apply for the Leverhulme Trust Early Careers Fellowship.

Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2027

Apply Now: Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2027

The Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Bristol is pleased to invite expressions of interest for the Leverhulme Trust Early Career Fellowships 2027. We are keen to encourage prospective early career fellows from outside Bristol to consider applying through our Faculty process.  

These prestigious three-year fellowships support early career researchers-within four years of completing their PhD (career breaks considered)-who have a strong research record but have not yet held a full-time permanent academic post. Fellows receive up to £6,000 per year in research expenses to undertake a significant piece of publishable work. Full scheme details are available on the Leverhulme Trust website.  

The Faculty will underwrite financial support for up to six applications, in the following strategic research areas:  

  • Social justice and inequalities 
  • Socio-digital transformation, including the ethics and governance of artificial intelligence
  • Creative and cultural industries  

As well as applications which align with our Faculty Research Centres; Migration Mobilities Bristol, The Centre for Creative Technologies, The Centre for Black Humanities and The Centre for Childhoods and Social Justice.     

Schools may also choose to support additional applications, including those that do not align with the above.  

Joining the Faculty as a Leverhulme Fellow offers an exceptional opportunity to embed your research within a vibrant, interdisciplinary environment renowned for world-leading scholarship. With a strong track record in securing fellowships and external funding, and a culture of civic engagement and impact, the Faculty provides an ideal platform for launching your academic career. 

Internal Application Process 

To be considered for support, all applicants must participate in an internal selection process:  

  1. Identify a mentor within the Faculty and make initial contact. You can explore potential mentors via the University of Bristol Research Portal. 
    Applicants are encouraged to discuss their eligibility and the competitiveness of their publishing record with their mentor before requesting the internal application template. In some cases, it may be strategically beneficial for you to delay applying in order to further develop a competitive CV.
  2. Complete the LT ECF 2027 Outline Form (Office document, 235kB) with the support of your mentor. 
  3. Submit your internal application form and a two-page combined CV/publication list - to your School Research Director by Monday 09 November 2026, 12pm. 
  4. Selected candidates will be invited to an online workshop for the scheme on Tuesday 08 December 12.30-3pm, as such, please keep this blocked out in your diary.  

Eligibility Applicants must: Please consult the Leverhulme Trust website for full eligibility criteria and guidance.  

School Research Directors (SRDs) – on the right-hand side of this page 

For queries, contact the Research Development Officers at rdo-rduk@bristol.ac.uk