Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship (Fellowship)
UK Research and Innovation, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Award
Up to £1.25m
Deadline
Closes 31 March 2027
Where
UK-wide
Summary
Apply for an early independence fellowship if your research focus is within EPSRC Mathematical Sciences remit. You must have: a PhD evidence of career consolidation and past productivity plans for establishing your own research niche that enables a step-change towards independence
Who can apply
This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible . Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) standard eligibility rules apply. For full details, visit EPSRC’s eligibility page . Applications are welcomed from applicants of all nationalities, including those not currently located in the UK, however, this is subject to the fellowship being based at an eligible UK research organisation . Who is eligible to apply To be eligible to apply, you must: have completed a PhD with additional postdoctoral experience or equivalent show early evidence of capability to be a leading and active researcher show evidence of relevant skills, experience, career development and productivity across past appointments There are no eligibility rules based on years since PhD or whether the applicant currently holds a permanent or open-ended academic position or job role. Who is not eligible to apply You are not eligible to apply if: you are an established academic (academics who have demonstrated sustained career independence) you have held a position where you directed the research vision and supervised postdoctoral staff (more than 12 months) you have another application for a UKRI fellowship of this type or an EPSRC new investigator award that is currently being assessed you have part of the fellowship project as a grant application with any organisation and your application is being assessed you have been awarded a comparable fellowship supporting early independence or a new investigator award from any organisation you have secured grants as a project lead, that include support for and leading of research staff such as postdoctoral research associates as this would indicate you have already made the step-change to independence. This excludes Mathematical Sciences Small Grants due to the short-term nature of the grant We encourage applications from candidates who have taken a non-standard career path after their first degree. We also welcome applications from candidates who want to move back into research after a career break or any other type of break from active research. Research organisations We expect research organisations to actively use an inclusive approach to selecting and maximising the diversity of the candidates they intend to support. UKRI expects that host organisations consider diversity broadly to include discipline, backgrounds, career paths, thought and approach as well as protected characteristics. See more information on good selection processes . If you are a research organisation, you must: make sure that the experience, aims and aspirations of the applicant are suitable for a fellowship application at this career stage commit to supporting the applicant to ensure their knowledge and expertise in implementing good practice and in creating a modern and inclusive research environment is continually updated identify the additional support you will provide to ensure successful fellowship delivery and opportunities for the applicant to expand or enhance their current role International researchers The UKRI-RCN Money Follows Cooperation Agreement does not apply to this funding opportunity. As such grants submitted to this funding opportunity cannot include a Norway-based Project Co-Lead (international). You should include all international collaborators (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) as project partners. Resubmissions We will not accept uninvited resubmissions of projects that have been submitted to UKRI or any other funder. Find out more about EPSRC’s resubmissions policy . Equality, diversity and inclusion We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers. We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes: career breaks support for people with caring responsibilities flexible working alternative working patterns UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UKRI applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.
Full details
Apply for an early independence fellowship to support your career transition within the Fellowship investment framework . Most of your project’s research novelty must be in EPSRC’s mathematical sciences remit. You must have: a PhD and postdoctoral experience plans for establishing independence in your own research niche You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,250,000. EPSRC will fund 80% of the FEC. Projects are for up to five years and may be held part-time. Fellowships with a plus element have an additional focus on enhancing research environment and culture.