Fellowship Schemes
This page lists the main research councils for fellowship schemes, and describes some of the options available. Below you will find a list of web links which take you to the various fellowship offers. It is recommended that you see the information below only as a starting point, and check the various webpages carefully for up-to-date information, in particular deadlines.
Please note that some fellowships are tied to specific subject areas or themes, while others fund research in all the mathematical sciences. The general schemes are listed first. If you are in doubt whether or not a scheme applies to you, please contact your potential host within The School of Mathematics and Statistics, and he/she will be able to assist you in your choice.
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
The EPSRC is one of the major research councils in the UK. Fellowships are offered in all branches of pure and applied mathematics.
How to apply: electronic submission. Consult the EPSRC funding guide for details.
European Union: Framework Programme 7
The European Union offers fellowships in all science areas under the People Section of Framework Programme 7.
- International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) (expected deadline: August)
- Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) (expected deadline: August)
- International Reintegration Grants (IRG) (expected deadline: April)
How to apply: electronic submission. Consult the UK Research Office and calls webpage for further information.
The Royal Society
The Royal Society is the national science academy of the UK and the Commonwealth and offers fellowships in all areas of science.
- Newton International Fellowships (expected deadline: April)
- Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships (expected deadline: January)
- University Research Fellowships (expected deadline: September)
How to apply: electronic submission. Check the "Funding for Scientists" webpage for the latest information and up-to-date deadlines for applications.
Leverhulme Trust
The Trust makes awards for the support of research and education. The Trust emphasises individuals and encompasses all subject areas.
- Early Career Fellowships (expected deadline: March)
Note: the fellowships provide 50% of the salary costs, the rest must be covered by the host institution. See their webpages for details and application procedures.
Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851
The scheme of 1851 Research Fellowships is intended to give a few PhD level scientists of exceptional promise the opportunity for conducting research for a further period of two years. The Fellowships are open to candidates in any of the physical or biological sciences, in mathematics, in applied science, or in any branch of engineering.
- 1851 Research Fellowships (expected deadline: February)
Note: a candidate must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Commonwealth, or of the Republics of Ireland or Pakistan. He or she should either have spent at least two out of the past three years at a UK Institution, or be intending to hold the Fellowship at a UK Institution, or both. Further details can be found at the webpages of the Royal Commission.
The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE)
The Royal Society of Edinburgh is an educational charity, registered in Scotland. Currently there are two Fellowships on offer
See the respective websites for details and regulations. Note that for the BP Trust Fellowships your mathematical research must have a strong overlap with one of the mentioned subject areas in engineering, solid state science or information technology.
In conjunction with the BBSRC and STFC (see below) the RSE also offers
Research must be related to the research areas of the respective councils. Consult their webpages for details of how to apply.
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
BBSRC funds research that increases understanding of how living organisms function and behave. Applicants should therefore have research interests in the field of Mathematical Biology. The BBSRC offers a multitude of different fellowships. Visit
for further information and application guidelines.
Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
The STFC is an independent, non-departmental public body of the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills. Funding is limited to researchers with interests in astronomy, particle physics, space science and nuclear physics. Applicants must therefore be able to demonstrate the relevance of their mathematical research to one of these areas. Visit
for further information on eligibility criteria and the application procedure.
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
NERC funds science that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. Applicants must be able to relate their mathematical research to one of the council's remits. Refer to
for further information.
Wellcome Trust
The Wellcome Trust is an independent charity funding research to improve human and animal health. Applicants should have related mathematical research interests. See the section on
on the Trust's webpages for further details.