MRC Early Independence Career Development Fellowship 2026 in the UK

The Early Independence Career Development Fellowships are offered to support talented researchers transitioning to independence within the MRC remit. The fellowship provides salary and project costs for up to five years and is part of the Fellowship Investment Framework. It is open to researchers globally, hosted by a UK research organisation, with funding covering salary, project costs, and related resources.

Competitive salary; funding for research staff, consumables, equipment, and training; flexibility for overseas/industry placements; support for visa fees and dependents; opportunity to establish an independent research team.

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent, show evidence of career consolidation and productivity, present clear plans for establishing an independent research niche, be hosted by an eligible UK research organisation, have a research focus within the MRC remit, and not already hold a comparable fellowship or permanent independent position.

Apply via the UKRI Funding Service. Prepare proposal components and submit a single fellowship application.