GrantMatch

Early Independence: Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026 (Fellowship)

UK Research and Innovation, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Closing in 67 days

Funding

Up to £6,000,000

Location

England

Applications

Open until 30 September 2026

Overview

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship supports early-career researchers who want to build their own independent research programme. You must hold a doctorate or have equivalent research experience. You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for STFC funding. Funding can reach up to £6,000,000 per fellowship.

Eligibility

Who can apply:

academic

Key requirements:

  • Must hold a doctorate or demonstrate equivalent research experience
  • Must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding
Who is this for?

This fellowship is for early-career researchers who hold a doctorate or can show equivalent research experience. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for STFC funding. It is not for established senior researchers or businesses outside the research sector.

Sectors

Charities & Non-Profit

Regions

England

No published award history for UK Research and Innovation, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). Some funders do not publish their grants data.

Full details from UK Research and Innovation, 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.

How to apply

You apply through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and must be based at an STFC-eligible UK research organisation. Check the STFC website for the full application process and any expression of interest requirements.

Apply on UK Research and Innovation, Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)Sign up to save

Set up your organisation profile first

Takes about 5 minutes. This is what makes your checks specific to your business.

Set up profile

Get the full toolkit

Premium adds unlimited eligibility checks plus everything you need to apply, for any grant.

  • Unlimited eligibility checks
  • Get a step-by-step application plan
  • Generate a first draft you can work from
  • Review your draft against the criteria
  • Build a budget template
  • Read the grant in plain English

Get notified about grants like this

Create a free account to receive alerts when new charities & non-profit funding opens.

Create free account

Last updated: 25 July 2026