EPSRC is the main UK government agency for funding research and training in engineering and the physical sciences, investing more than £800 million a year in a broad range of subjects – from mathematics to materials science, and from information technology to structural engineering.
The EPSRC is now accepting applications for EPSRC-UKRI Innovation Fellowships to pursue research in the UK. Applications are sought in alignment with the Industrial Strategy, in areas that have been identified as relevant to EPSRC or recognized priority areas at the interface of engineering and physical science research.
These aim to support excellent engineering and physical sciences research aligned to the Industrial Strategy challenges as identified by the open priority areas. Some of these fellowships may fall at the interface of disciplines and to reflect on our support of these areas EPSRC has recognized a number of Interface areas which are available to apply to.
Degree Level: Fellowships are available to pursue research.
Available Subject: Applications are sought in alignment with the Industrial Strategy, in areas that have been identified as relevant to EPSRC or recognized priority areas at the interface of engineering and physical science research. Related themes: Digital Economy, Energy, Engineering, Healthcare Technologies, ICT, LWEC, Manufacturing the Future, Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Quantum Technologies.
Scholarship Benefits: Up to £38.9 million is available for this call. EPSRC expects to fund 65-85 Fellows. Additional funding of up to £1.6 million from AHRC, a minimum of £1 million from BBSRC and up to £0.4 million from ESRC will be available for research at specified interfaces.
Number of Scholarships: EPSRC expects to fund 65-85 Fellows.
Eligibility Criteria:
The following criteria must be met in order for applicants to be eligible for the scholarship:
- This call is aimed at innovative individuals in the early stages of their research career either in academia or industry, including but not limited to: experienced postdoctoral researchers, those with a junior academic post or researchers currently in the industry who would wish to transition to academia. We would not typically expect applicants to qualify as an early career researcher if they hold a senior position.
- Applicants are expected to hold a PhD by the start date of the fellowship or have equivalent experience. There are no eligibility rules based on years of postdoctoral experience or whether the applicant holds a permanent academic position.
- Consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a non-standard career path after their primary degree. Proposals are also welcomed from candidates who wish to re-establish themselves after a career break or other period of absence from active research.
- If applicants are employed part-time then they can apply for the Fellowship to be held part-time and extend pro-rata at the time of application.
- There are no nationality restrictions imposed by EPSRC although the fellowship should be held at an eligible UK Higher Education Institution or eligible UK Independent Research Organisation. An intention of this programme is to attract global talent to the UK, so proposals from non-UK nationals are encouraged. EPSRC Early Career Fellows are eligible for a Tier 1 Exceptional Promise visa route which offers an accelerated visa route:
- You may only submit a full proposal for one EPSRC fellowship in any 12 month period so please consider carefully when you choose to submit your proposal. If you are rejected at the outline stage then you will still be eligible to apply for another EPSRC fellowship. For information on the eligibility of organisations and individuals to receive EPSRC funding, see the EPSRC Funding Guide: http://www.epsrc.ac.uk/funding/howtoapply/fundingguide/
- As this call is a targeted funding opportunity provided by EPSRC, higher education institutions, and some research council institutes and independent research organisations are eligible to apply.
Eligible Nationalities: The Rutherford Fund announced in July 2017 aims to attract and retain international talent from the developed world and from emerging research powerhouses such as India, China, Brazil and Mexico to the UK. As such, successful non-UK nationals who are awarded an Innovation Fellowship may be identified as Rutherford fellows.
Method of Application:
A three-stage application process will be used.
- Stage 1 Outline proposal – application details are described below.
- Stage 2 Full proposals – application details are described below. Those successful at the outline stage will be invited to submit a full proposal. No other proposals will be accepted. Any unsolicited proposals will be rejected.
- Stage 3 Interview Panel
Scholarship Application Deadline: November 9, 2017.
