Early Independence: Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026
Limited submissionForecasted
Early Independence: Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026 support early-career researchers with original research in STFC’s core sciences to establish independent research niches and develop leadership.
Browse similar grants
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application closing) | September 2027 (Host ED&I statement survey)
Funding Amounts: £6 million total fund; up to 10 fellowships, funded at 80% of full economic cost for five years
Summary: Supports investigator-led research within STFC’s core science remit to help early-career researchers establish independent research niches and leadership.
Key Information: Applicants must secure an eligible UK host with an STFC fellowship application quota.
Description
The Ernest Rutherford Fellowships are administered by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), part of UK Research and Innovation. They support exceptional early-career applicants working towards independent research and future research leadership. The fellowship welcomes researchers, innovators, research technical professionals and research software engineers, valuing intellectual, methodological and technical career paths.
Projects must offer original work aligned with STFC’s strategic objectives in astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, computational science or quantum technologies. Supported activities include theoretical and analytical research and the design and construction of experiments, instrumentation and software. Multidisciplinary proposals are welcome when their primary focus remains within STFC’s remit. Fellows must demonstrate a clear research niche and a step-change towards independence, supported by career development in research, leadership, communication and management.
