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Funding opportunity: Early Independence: Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026

By Startup Networks

STFC offers up to 10 Ernest Rutherford Fellowships (ERFs) to applicants on an upward trajectory to pursuing working independently and developing research leadership are encouraged to apply if your research focus is within the remit of STFC core science programme.

You must:

  • hold a PhD or have relevant experience
  • be hosted by a research organisation with an STFC ERF quota
  • show clear plans for establishing your own research niche that enables a step-change towards independence

We will fund your application at 80% of its full economic cost for up to five years. The host research organisation must agree to fund the rest.

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    Previous Link Funding opportunity: AHRC large grants: outline stage

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