Research Fellowships

Research fellowships offer a powerful route to develop research independence, shape a distinctive academic profile and deliver work with lasting impact. SRUC supports researchers at all career stages to navigate the fellowship landscape and develop competitive, well prepared applications. If you are considering the next step in your research career, guidance and support are available throughout the process.

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SRUC recognises the pivotal role fellowships play in shaping successful research careers. They enable researchers to develop and lead ambitious, innovative research programmes that address real world challenges in food, agriculture, land use and the rural economy.

Fellowships are highly competitive and require clear vision, strategic planning and sufficient time for development. SRUC provides a supportive environment that helps applicants strengthen their ideas, align with funder expectations and submit high quality proposals.

What is a research fellowship?

A fellowship differs from a standard research project by supporting an individual to establish and lead a coherent research programme centred on a distinctive research niche.

Whether at post doctoral stage or seeking research independence later in a career, fellowships provide an opportunity to demonstrate intellectual leadership, strategic thinking and long term research ambition. Successful fellowships often represent a key step towards a permanent academic position in the UK or internationally.

Applying with SRUC as host institution

Researchers interested in applying with SRUC as host institution are encouraged to engage early. An internal expression of interest process helps ensure applications are well aligned with funder priorities and appropriately supported.

For fellowship applications planned within the 2026 calendar year, applicants are asked to complete the online expression of interest form by 16 January 2026.

While some calls are not yet open, most fellowship deadlines fall between February and May. Early engagement allows time for proposal development, feedback and institutional support where required.

Fellowships SRUC can host

We can host a wide range of national and international fellowship schemes, including:

Future Leaders Fellowships, UKRI
ARD UK Research Fellowship, UKRI
Turing AI Global Fellowship, ESPRC
Daphne Jackson Fellowship, UKRI
UKRI Policy Fellows
BBSRC Fellowship Scheme
NERC Independent Research Fellowship
Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, Royal Society
Newton International Fellowships
University Research Fellowship, Royal Society

SRUC is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Monitoring of EDI characteristics is undertaken through a separate anonymous form completed as part of the application process.

Support and contact

Applying for a fellowship is demanding but rewarding. SRUC offers support from early idea development through to submission, helping applicants to build strong, credible and competitive proposals.

By starting early, planning carefully and making full use of available support, researchers can position themselves strongly for these prestigious opportunities.

For further information and to begin the process, please complete the online expression of interest form.