Early independence: BBSRC fellowships: full stage
Three-year BBSRC fellowships support early career bioscience researchers to establish independent, investigator-led research in the UK with strong institutional backing.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 23, 2026: Full application submission deadline | September 23, 2026: Host organisation Inclusive Selection Statement deadline
Funding Amounts: No upper limit on award size; BBSRC funds 80% FEC for 3 years; ~15 fellowships expected per round.
Summary: Three-year fellowships supporting early career researchers to establish independent research in bioscience within a UK host institution.
Key Information: Only shortlisted applicants from the outline stage may apply; institutional application caps apply.
Description
This fellowship supports early career researchers aiming to establish their own independent research niche within the biosciences, hosted at a UK research organisation. The scheme is designed for individuals who have demonstrated career consolidation and productivity, enabling them to conduct investigator-led research—whether hypothesis-driven, data-driven, discovery-led, or technology development. The fellowship emphasizes the development of future research leaders, supports multidisciplinary proposals, and encourages alignment with BBSRC’s strategic priorities. Host institutions are required to provide substantial support, including research environment, infrastructure, and career development opportunities.
