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Early Independence: Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026
Funding
Up to £6,000,000
Deadline
Round closed
Location
England
Applications
Applications closed
Overview
The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship supports early career researchers to establish independent research careers. You must have a doctorate or equivalent research experience. You need to be based at a UK research organisation that can receive STFC funding. The fellowship provides up to £6 million in funding. This is a rolling application process with no fixed deadline. The funding helps you develop your own research area and gain independence from supervisors. You can use the money for research costs, equipment, and staff. This fellowship is specifically for science and technology research areas.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- Must hold doctorate or equivalent research experience
- Must be based at UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
This fellowship is for early career researchers with a doctorate who want to establish independent research careers. You must be employed by a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding. This is not for established researchers or those without doctoral qualifications.
Regions
No published award history for Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Some funders do not publish their grants data.
Full details from Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Apply for this Early Independence Fellowship to support you to establish your own research niche and independence. You must hold a doctorate or evidence equivalent research experience and be based at a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding.
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Last updated: 9 October 2026