Early Independence BBSRC Fellow

Animal Research Rule: Must comply with UKRI ethical framework if applicable.

Appendices Required: Not specified at outline stage

Application Limit: Only one application to a BBSRC fellowship scheme per year.

Application Platform: UKRI Funding Service

Application Sections: Outline vision. Outline approach. Applicant capability to deliver. Full stage by invitation only.

Assessment Process: Outline peer review by BBSRC Pool of Experts and Research Committee E. Shortlisting to invite full stage. Full stage expected to include peer review, shortlisting and interview.

Competitiveness: Approximately 15 awards expected

Decision Risks: Applications outside scope may be rejected. Failure to meet eligibility leads to rejection. Outline must be accessible to broad expert panel.

Decision Timeline: Not specified

Eligible Expenses: Personal salary. Travel and subsistence. Training activities. Research consumables. Technician support for specialist technical skills. Visa costs if required.

Eligible Scope: Independent investigator led research within BBSRC remit. Includes plants, microbes, animals, humans and relevant tools or technologies. Multidisciplinary research allowed if primarily within BBSRC remit.

Funding Intensity: 80% FEC. Host organisation funds remaining 20%.

Funding Rate: 80% of full economic cost

Important Notes: Two stage process. Outline open to all. Full stage invite only. No equipment purchase allowed. Application cannot be amended after submission.

Ineligible Applicants: Individuals holding a lectureship or equivalent independent research position. Individuals holding certain equivalent competitive fellowships. Applicants with concurrent UKRI career transition fellowship applications.

Ineligible Projects: Research outside BBSRC remit. Equipment purchase of any value. Funding for additional researchers or research staff.

International Eligibility: Applicants of any nationality allowed. Fellowship must be hosted at a UK eligible organisation.

Interview Stage: Expected at full stage

Key Requirements: Must demonstrate independence trajectory. Must justify host organisation. Must show leadership development plan. Must align with BBSRC strategic priorities where relevant.

Match Funding Requirement: No additional matched funding required beyond standard 20% FEC.

Project Duration: Three years full time. Part time allowed down to 0.5 FTE on pro rata basis.

Project Start Date: Must start by 1 July 2027

Publication Date: 2026-02-11 00:00:00

Renewal Rules: Identical resubmissions not permitted. Revised applications allowed if feedback addressed.

Sanctions Rule: Not specified

Subcontractors: Not specified

Subsidy Scheme: Not specified

Total Fund Available: £9,000,000