Fellowship schemes in the Faculty of Science and Engineering

Dr. Josh Dean (Physical Geography) josh.dean@bristol.ac.uk

Dr. Merle Patchett (Human Geography) Merle.Patchett@bristol.ac.uk

This three year fellowship supports talented researchers who have evidence of career consolidation and productivity across past appointments to:

• establish their research niche
• make the first step-change towards establishing independence

This fellowship scheme invests in researchers who are seeking to conduct their own independent research within a host laboratory. 

To be confirmed by the funder

ESRC Postdoctoral Fellowships 

This is a postdoctoral fellowship to develop: publications, networks, research skills and professional skills. Proposals are welcome from both single disciplines and combinations of disciplines, but the fellowship activities must be based at least 50% within the social sciences. 

The application process is managed by the South West Doctoral Training Partnership. See the call website here for further details.

This scheme aims to support ambitious and talented researchers in mathematical sciences to lead their own research plans to establish their own research niche; start to build their own research team; and make the first step-change towards establishing themselves as a leading independent researcher.

Applicants must have completed a PhD with additional postdoctoral experience or equivalent’

Internal process:  Interested applicants need to contact the School Research Director and Head of School, where you would like your fellowship to be hosted, for approval to apply to this scheme. 

Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 

Our support for this scheme varies from year to year, please contact us at research-development@bristol.ac.uk or your academic supervisor to enquire. 

To enable outstanding early career research scientists to develop into international science leaders in the areas of Environmental Sciences.

Internal process: Interested applicants need to contact the School Research Director and Head of School, where you would like your fellowship to be hosted, for approval to apply to the scheme.

Information session: We usually hold an information session for the scheme, please contact us at research-development@bristol.ac.uk for details.

The Academy’s Chair in Emerging Technologies scheme aims to identify global research visionaries and provide them with long term support to lead on developing emerging technology areas with high potential to deliver economic and social benefit to the UK. 

This scheme is not offered regularly. If you are interested in applying please contact research-development@bristol.ac.uk when the new call is announced.

None, but please contact research-development@bristol.ac.uk for support.

The Academy offers Research Fellowships each year to outstanding early-career researchers to support them to become future research leaders in engineering.

There is a two-stage application process

Internal process: Host organisations are usually capped in the number of applications they can submit to the Royal Academy of Engineering. An internal selection process is therefore in place for this scheme.

Royal Society Career Development Fellowships

Provides the most talented early career scientists from underrepresented groups in STEM with research funding and high-quality training opportunities to build a strong base for a successful research career. 

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships

Offers a recognised first step into an independent research career for outstanding scientists and engineers at an early stage of their research career. The applicant must have a need for a flexible working pattern due to personal circumstances, such as parenting or caring responsibilities or health issues.

Information session: April/May

Royal Society Newton International Fellowships

Support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The fellowships enable researchers to access expertise, gain new perspectives and build long-lasting collaborative relationships. Interested applicants need to contact the School Research Director and Head of School, where you would like your fellowship to be hosted

• who are currently prevented from achieving full research capability by competing duties (i.e. already based in the UK)
• who wish to relocate to the UK to undertake their research

The next call will be announced in February/March 2026. If you are interested in applying please contact research-development@bristol.ac.uk when the new call is announced.

To provide outstanding scientists, who have the potential to become leaders in their chosen field, with the opportunity to build an independent research career, in the areas of natural sciences and engineering.

Internal process: We request that the applicant submits an expression of interest to apply to the School are the earliest opportunity so that the applicant’s School and the Research Development team can offer them full support with their application development over the summer. We usually hold an information session in April/May about the scheme and the support we offer, which prospective applicants (Internal and external) are encouraged to attend.

Information session: April/May

Internal deadline: Late July 

To enable early career researchers with clear leadership potential to establish a strong, independent research programme in the remit of STFC (astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics, accelerator science)

Internal process: There is a limit on the number of applications we are able to submit from two Schools – the School of Earth Sciences and the School of Physics. Please get in touch with the relevant School contact listed here, or the School Research Director, if you are interested in applying for this fellowship.

The aim of the FLF scheme is to develop the next wave of world-class research and innovation leaders in academia and business.

Internal process:  Interested applicants need to contact the School Research Director and Head of School, where you would like your fellowship to be hosted, for approval to apply to this scheme. An internal selection process is in place as there is a limit on the number of applications we are able to submit.

The proposed research can be in any discipline - as long as it has the potential to improve human life, health and wellbeing, and aligns with the funder’s funding remit.