Applications for Research Fellowships

Considering a Research Fellowship with Imperial Particle Physics? We're delighted you're exploring this opportunity—and we’re here to support you throughout the process.

To give your application the best chance of success, we encourage early engagement with an academic staff member in your area of research interest. This initial conversation will help you assess whether Imperial is the right environment for your goals and allow us to explore alignment and sponsorship. Fellowship applications are a collaborative effort, and early discussions allow us to provide tailored support from the start.

To maintain the high standards and competitiveness of our submissions, Imperial Physics runs an internal selection process for most fellowship schemes. If you and your prospective sponsor agree to move forward, they will guide you through the internal selection process and help you prepare the necessary documentation. Where there is a Research Community quota (always for Royal Society URF and STFC ERF) the Particle Physics Community, in turn, runs its own pre-selection process ahead of the Departmental deadlines. Please note that we are unable to consider requests received after our internal deadline—early engagement is essential.

If your nomination is approved, you will receive structured guidance and support throughout the application process, including feedback, review, and coordination with Research Services. Internal submission deadlines are set ahead of funder deadlines to ensure institutional approval time, and you will be advised of these dates in advance.

Successful applicants will be offered appropriate office or laboratory space, access to shared departmental facilities, and dedicated mentorship—typically provided by your internal sponsor or another experienced academic—to support both your research and professional development.

A Welcoming and Inclusive Research Culture

We are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment for all researchers. We actively encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in physics, including those who identify as female, Black and other minority ethnic researchers, disabled researchers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We also welcome candidates returning from a career break or those seeking flexible or part-time fellowships due to personal or caring responsibilities. If you experience any barriers during the application process, please let us know so we can make appropriate adjustments.

Additional Support

The Early Career Researcher Institute provides a wide range of support services for fellowship applicants applying through Imperial—from application development to mock interviews. We strongly encourage you to make use of these resources in addition to the support provided by your Research Community. For more information, visit: Early Career Researcher Institute – Fellowship FAQs.

ERC Starting Grants 2027

Status: Open - Nomination deadline: 1 July 2026

European Research Council Starting Grants support early-career researchers to establish independent research programmes at the frontiers of knowledge. The scheme offers up to €1.5 million over five years. Applicants based in the EU or an Associated Country may request up to an additional €1 million to cover eligible costs such as start-up costs, major equipment, access to large facilities, major experimental costs and fieldwork. Applicants currently based outside the EU or Associated Countries who are relocating may request up to an additional €2 million for these costs and relocation.

Imperial Physics applicants are expected to commit 50% of their time to the grant. The Department will cover the remaining 50% in exchange for a small teaching load.

Key facts

  •   Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Eligibility: The ERC has announced that changes to eligibility windows are expected from the 2027 Work Programme; Starting Grant applicants will be eligible to apply from the moment they successfully defend their first PhD and for up to ten years thereafter. Extensions to the eligibility window may apply in eligible circumstances (e.g. parental leave, long-term illness). Final eligibility criteria will be confirmed in the official call documents once published.
  • Department quota: None

 Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  •   Internal EOI deadline: 1 July 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 20 July
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): Three weeks before the funder deadline for Part A, including budget and resources justification.
  • Funder deadline: TBC (expected October)

 Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying their proposed sponsor.

ERC Consolidator Grants 2026

Status: Closed

ERC Consolidator Grants are prestigious, frontier research grants for talented mid-career researchers. The scheme offers up to €2 million over five years. Applicants based in the EU or an Associated Country may request up to an additional €1 million to cover eligible costs such as start-up costs, major equipment, large facilities access, major experimental costs and field work. 
Applicants currently based outside the EU or Associated Countries who are relocating may request up to an additional €2 million for these costs. 

The ERC 2026 Consolidator Grant call is due to open on 25 September 2025 and close on 13 January 2026. 

Imperial Physics applicants are expected to charge 50% of their time to the grant and to take on a small teaching load. 

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 5 years (full-time project)
  • Funding: Up to €2 million + €1 million for start-up, equipment, or relocation
  • Eligibility: Researchers who defended their PhD between 7 and 12 years before 1 January 2026 (extensions available for career breaks)
  • Commitment: Minimum 50% of total working time (Imperial Physics requirement)
  • Department quota: None
  • Nomination deadline: 13 October 2025
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including your CV and publication list, and email it to phys-ra@imperial.ac.uk, copying your proposed sponsor

Eric and Wendy Schmidt AI in Science Postdoctoral Fellowship (Managed by Imperial)

Status: Closed. Wave 6 will open in summer 2026 (typical deadline late September).

This two-year postdoctoral fellowship, supported by Schmidt Futures, enables researchers to apply artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to scientific challenges across the natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics. Fellows join a cross-disciplinary cohort and receive structured training in AI methods, alongside mentorship and research support within their Imperial host Community

Two career stages are supported:

  • Research Associate level – for applicants more recently out of their PhD
  • Research Fellow level – for those with several years of postdoctoral (or equivalent) experience, including supervision responsibilities. Experience may come from either academia or industry.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility requirements: please refer to the call webpage for Al in Science remit.
  • Department quota: None

Application process:

  • Applicants apply directly via Imperial’s Talentlink system, but must have secured an internal sponsor at Imperial before submitting an application.
  • Imperial Physics will shortlist applicants (including interviews) after the call closing date, typically over October/early November, and will nominate up to three applicants to the Faculty review panel.

Imperial College Research Fellowships (ICRF)
Status: Closed. Will open late March with application deadline 23 July 2026. Details are subject to change once the call is live.

The ICRF is a prestigious four-year fellowship supporting outstanding early-career researchers in establishing independent careers at Imperial with up to £30,000 for research/travel (up to £45,000 in justified cases)

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Start Date: Between 1 August and 1 December 2027
  • Eligibility: ≤4 years post-PhD (viva date) by closing date excluding career breaks
  • Department quota: None

Application process:

  • Applicants apply directly via Imperial’s Talentlink system, but must have secured an internal sponsor at Imperial before submitting an application.
  • Applicants will also need to send their final draft “Research Proposal and Budget” form to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor, for Department approval.
  • Imperial Physics will shortlist applicants after the call closing date and nominate candidates to the Faculty interview panel (previously ~2). The Faculty will then submit selected applicants to the ICRF central selection committee.
  • Departmental approval deadline: 16 July 2026
  • Imperial deadline: 23 July 2026

MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships
Status: Open – internal deadline 19 August 2026 (call expected to open on ECAS 9 April)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious, EU-funded awards supporting talented researchers in developing independent careers through advanced training and international mobility. Fellowships last 12 to 24 months and are open to researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the mobility rule. Please note that we are not hosting Global Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Imperial guidance

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 12–24 months
  • Eligibility: Doctoral degree + no more than 8 years’ full-time research experience; must not have resided or worked in the UK for more than 12 of the 36 months before the call deadline
  • Department quota: None

Application process (Imperial Physics):

Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowships
Status: Closed

The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 awards Research Fellowships to support early- career scientists and engineers of exceptional promise. These prestigious fellowships are open to candidates in any branch of the physical or biological sciences, mathematics, applied science, or engineering.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Eligibility: Recent PhD holders or those completing their PhD in the year of application; normally with no more than 3 years of postdoctoral experience
  • Department quota: Five
  • Nomination deadline: 23 October 2025
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest form, including your CV and publication list, and email it to phys-ra@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor

Royal Society Career Development Fellowship
 Status: Closed

The Royal Society Career Development Fellowship (CDF) supports outstanding early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The fellowship provides funding to help establish an independent research career and is open to researchers across the Royal Society’s scientific remit. 

Key Facts: 

  •   Duration: Up to 4 years
  • Eligibility: You self-identify as being from a Black heritage, including mixed Black background; you are a UK national, or have completed part of your education in the UK (Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD), or hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK; you have a PhD, or will have one by the time the funding starts, with less than 24 months postdoctoral experience
  • Department quota: None
  • Nomination deadline: 15 October 2025
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including your CV and publication list, and email it to phys-ra@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships
Status: Closed – internal deadline was 21 August 2025

The Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship supports excellent early-career scientists who require flexible working arrangements due to personal circumstances such as parental or caring responsibilities or health conditions. The fellowship provides up to 8 years of funding to help establish an independent research career. The Fellowship is open to researchers across all areas of the Royal Society’s scientific remit.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 8 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers with up to six years of research experience post-PhD (excluding career breaks) needing flexible support due to personal circumstances
  • Department quota: None
  • Nomination deadline: 21 August 2025
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest form, including your CV and publication list, and email it to phys-ra@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor

Royal Society Newton International Fellowships 

Status: Open - nomination deadline 8 January 2026 (call opens 15 January)

UPDATE December 2025

The Department opened its nomination process ahead of the official call launch to give applicants time to prepare and explore sponsorship options. The Royal Society have now updated the call for 2026 with significant eligibility changes. 

The Newton International Fellowship programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The fellowships enable researchers to access expertise, gain new perspectives and build long-lasting collaborative relationships. 

Key facts: 

  • Duration: 2 years 
  • Eligibility: Applicants must have been awarded their PhD or successfully defended their doctoral thesis by the closing date for applications; have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral experience (excluding career breaks but including teaching and industry research), be based outside the UK, and not hold UK citizenship.
  • There is also a new rule that each UK academic Sponsor can only support one application in any round.
  • Department quota: ten 
  • Nomination deadline: 8 January 2026 
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form,  including your CV and publication list, and email it to phys-ra@imperial.ac.uk, copying your sponsor

Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF)
Status: Closed (last Particle Physics nomination deadline was 10 June 2025)

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers in the natural sciences who have the potential to become leaders in their field. The scheme offers up to 8 years of funding, enabling awardees to build an independent research career in a UK institution.

Applications are coordinated through the relevant Research Community who are allowed to  support up to six nominations each. Applicants must engage with their sponsor well in advance of the Departmental deadline.

For Particle Physics requests please contact an academic in your area of interest and work with them to complete the Imperial Expression of Interest form, CV, and publication list to be submitted for Community review by 10 June 2025. The selected nominations will be forwarded to the Department for their 13 June deadline.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 8 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers with between three and eight years of research experience, excluding career breaks.
  • Department quota: 15
  • Research Community quota: Up to six nominations each

STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (ERF)
Status: Closed (last Particle Physics nomination deadline was 10 June 2025)

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, funded by STFC, enables early-career researchers to establish independent research careers in the STFC core science areas: astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, cosmology, nuclear physics, and accelerator science. The scheme provides funding for up to 5 years to support ambitious scientific research at UK institutions.

Applications are coordinated through the relevant Research Community who are allowed to support up to six nominations each. Applicants must engage with their sponsor well in advance of the Departmental deadline.

For Particle Physics requests please contact an academic in your area of interest and work with them to complete the Imperial Expression of Interest form CV, and publication list to be submitted for Community review by 10 June 2025. The selected nominations will be forwarded to the Department for their 13 June deadline.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers in STFC core science areas with a PhD and clear leadership potential
  • Department quota: TBC by STFC
  • Research Community quota: Up to six nominations each

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF)

Status: Open - Internal EOI deadline: 2 March 2026

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF) scheme supports talented early-career researchers and innovators across all disciplines to transition to, or establish, independence. Fellowships provide long-term, flexible funding for ambitious and challenging research and innovation projects.

Key facts:

  • Duration: Up to 7 years (initial 4 years with possible extension)
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers and innovators from any discipline or sector

Nomination process: Imperial operates a University-level managed selection process for this scheme.

  • Internal EOI deadline: 2 March 2026

Applicants must complete a short online application form and upload:

  • Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages)
  • Imperial UKRI FLF Request for Support form (maximum 3 pages)

Full details are available via Imperial Information for applicants
Applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant Research Community before submitting an application to ensure strategic fit.

Shortlisting and assessment process:

Following the internal EOI deadline, applications are reviewed and shortlisted at Department level. For Imperial Physics, the Department may nominate up to two applicants to Faculty review. Faculties may then nominate up to seven applicants to the University. Faculty nomination outcomes are expected to be confirmed around 22 April. The University selects the final eight applicants permitted to submit a full application to UKRI.

Key dates (approved applicants):

  • Internal finalisation deadline (Physics): 8 June
  • Funder deadline: 16 June