Early Independence: Clinician Scientist Fellowship
Medical Research Council (MRC) · United Kingdom (hosted by an eligible UK research organisation).
Fellowship supporting clinically active researchers to establish an independent research programme within the Medical Research Council (MRC) remit and transition towards research independence.
Summary
Deadline
2 Sept 2026
Updated
16 Oct 2026
Fellowship supporting clinically active researchers to establish an independent research programme within the Medical Research Council (MRC) remit and transition towards research independence.
Eligibility
Applicant types
See eligibility requirements
Industries
Medical and health research.
Match funding
None beyond standard institutional FEC contribution.
Eligible applicants
Registered healthcare professionals (including doctors, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacists, dentists, healthcare scientists, clinical psychologists, veterinarians) with a PhD or equivalent.
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
No funding limit stated. Costs must be fully justified.
Total fund available
Not specified
Funding intensity
80% FEC (100% for permitted exceptions).
Payment type
Not specified
Eligible scope
Supports development of an independent research programme to improve human health within MRC remit.
Eligible expenses
- Salary, research staff, consumables, equipment, travel, data sharing and other justified research costs.
Ineligible costs
Not specified
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Not scored
Decision timeline
Shortlisting in February 2027; funding decisions in March 2027; applicants informed within 10 working days. (UK Research and Innovation)
Assessment process
Peer review followed by funding decision meetings.
Application sections
- Vision for fellowship, research approach, career development, applicant capability, support for applicant, ethics and responsible research, resources and cost justification.
Application components
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications may be rejected if eligibility requirements or application guidance are not met.
Timeline and partners
Opening date
10 Jun 2026
Project duration
Up to 5 years (pro rata for part-time fellowships).
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Additional guidance
Document research last revised 2026-08-04.
Expected Next Opening
21 October 2026 (next application round opens). Future rounds are also scheduled for 14 January 2027 and June 2027. (UK Research and Innovation)
Minimum Award
Not specified
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate career consolidation, research productivity and a clear plan for establishing an independent research niche within MRC remit.
Research Category
Clinical scientist fellowship.
Interview Stage
No interview.
Key Requirements
Must establish an independent research niche distinct from current supervisors and demonstrate strong career development potential.
Important Notes
Applicants of any nationality may apply provided the fellowship is hosted at an eligible UK research organisation. Joint funding with collaborating organisations is available where applicable. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application deadline in source document
2 September 2026, 4:00 PM UK time
Official source
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 2 Sept 2026
- Funding amount
- No funding limit stated. Costs must be fully justified.
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Payment type
- Not specified
- Audience
- See eligibility requirements
- Industry
- Medical and health research.
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Published
- 4 Jun 2026