[British Heart Foundation](https://www.bhf.org.uk)

July 1, 2026 | January 13, 2027

Up to 7 years of funding; award covers salary, research costs, travel, development, and limited caring expenses.

Supports outstanding clinical researchers in becoming independent leaders of cardiovascular research projects and teams.

Open to international applicants and those returning from career breaks; host institution support and mentorship required.

--- ## Description This fellowship provides long-term support for exceptional clinical researchers transitioning to independence in cardiovascular research. Awardees will lead their own projects and teams, receive mentorship, and benefit from institutional backing, with the goal of developing into future leaders in the field. The program emphasizes research independence, international collaboration, professional development, and flexible work arrangements. Host institutions must demonstrate a strong track record in cardiovascular research and commit to supporting fellows’ career progression, including a pathway to a tenured academic post. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026: Full application submission deadline (must be approved by Head of Department and Administrative Authority) - January 13, 2027: Next application deadline Applications must be fully submitted and approved by the relevant authorities by the stated deadlines. Late submissions will be considered only for the following cycle. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to 7 years of support (no extensions permitted) - Covers: - Salary of the fellow (up to 10 Programmed Activities [PAs]; up to 12 PAs if justified) - Salary for a postdoctoral research assistant, technician, or equivalent support post (if required) - Research consumables and essential equipment (not provided for overseas stays) - Discretionary fund: up to £7,000 per award for research/development needs - Travel fund: up to £7,000 per award for scientific meetings - Caring responsibilities: up to £1,400 per award - For overseas visits >6 months: return travel for fellow and family, healthcare insurance, and up to £3,000 housing contribution --- ## Eligibility - **Researcher Profile**: Outstanding clinical researchers showing evidence of research independence (via publications or other achievements) - **Research Area**: Strong cardiovascular research focus required - **Qualifications**: Successful PhD (or MD/MDRes) and at least 2 years of specialist training; usually not more than 2 years after CCT (Certificate of Completion of Training) - Pre-CCT applicants can apply if intending to combine research and clinical training (must discuss with BHF in advance) - **Career Breaks**: Open to applicants returning from a break of at least 6 months (see [career break guidelines](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/returning-from-a-career-break)) - **International Applicants**: Open to those who have worked outside the UK for at least 3 years; eligible for Global Talent visa support (see [international applicant guidelines](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/international-applicants)) - **Host Institution**: Must be a UK university or research institute with a strong cardiovascular research program; must provide space, resources, and mentorship --- ## Application Process - **Preparation**: - Review all [grant guidelines](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/clinical-future-leader-fellowship), [costing guidance](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/costing-a-clinical-study), and [clinical study guidelines](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/clinical-study-guidelines). - Informal discussion with the BHF Fellowships team is encouraged before applying (email [fellowships@bhf.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@bhf.org.uk) with CV, project summary, and estimated costs). - **Submission**: - Complete the online application via the [BHF Grants Management System](https://researchgrants.bhf.org.uk/) - Application must include: - Detailed research proposal (with required sections as per guidelines) - Full CV and publication list - Letters of support from academic advisors, mentors, Head of Department, and collaborators - Job plan (for post-CCT or consultant applicants) - Ethical approvals (if applicable) - Quotes for equipment (if >£5,000) - Additional documentation for international or career break applicants - **Review**: - Applications are peer-reviewed and shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the Clinical Fellowships Committee - Progress is reviewed after 4 years --- ## Additional Information - Flexible and part-time arrangements (minimum 0.5 FTE) are possible with prior agreement - Fellows are encouraged to spend part of the award overseas or at a second UK institution (with appropriate justification and support) - Host institutions must commit to supporting fellows toward a tenured academic position - BHF provides specific guidance for research costing, clinical trial management, and inclusion of under-represented groups --- ## External Links - [Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship Program Page](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/clinical-future-leader-fellowship) - [BHF Grants Management System (Apply Online)](https://researchgrants.bhf.org.uk/) - [How to Apply for BHF Research Grants](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply) - [Clinical Study Guidelines (Interventional)](https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/clinical-study-guidelines-interventional-study_feb2026.pdf?rev=6e7f7a449e6e4fd3afd95e30264f2a10&hash=DD8E6F5DC5C75A57ED4CB80808BA0396) - [Clinical Study Guidelines (Observational)](https://www.bhf.org.uk/-/media/files/for-professionals/research/clinical-study-guidelines-observational-study_030323.pdf) - [Guidance on Costing a Clinical Study](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/how-to-apply/costing-a-clinical-study) - [Career Break Guidance](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/returning-from-a-career-break) - [International Applicants Guidance](https://www.bhf.org.uk/for-professionals/information-for-researchers/what-we-fund/international-applicants) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Details | |------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries | [heretohelp@bhf.org.uk](mailto:heretohelp@bhf.org.uk) \| 0300 330 3322 | | Fellowships Team (pre-application queries) | [fellowships@bhf.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@bhf.org.uk) | | Grants Management System | [gmsqueries@bhf.org.uk](mailto:gmsqueries@bhf.org.uk) | | Web Contact Form | [Contact BHF](https://www.bhf.org.uk/contact) | | Postal Address | Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London, NW1 7AW, United Kingdom |

Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship

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