Principal Research Fellowships

Purpose

This is the most prestigious of our personal awards and provides long-term support for researchers of international standing. Successful candidates will have an established track record in research at the highest level.

What's included

Awards are for seven years in the first instance, and provide both a personal salary and research programme funding in full.

After the first period of award, the fellowship will be subject to a competitive scientific review, which will subsequently occur on a rolling basis every five years.

Fellowships will be renewed on a partnership basis; the Trust and the host institution will jointly fund the Principal Research Fellow's basic salary through a '50:50' arrangement for the duration of any renewal period. The Trust will provide research programme costs throughout the entire period of the fellowship.

The host institution will be required to guarantee, at the outset, that it will support renewal of the fellowship under the shared funding arrangement, and that an established post will be available to the fellow on termination of the award.

We may supplement a fellow's basic salary with a Principal Research Fellowship 'distinction' award of up to £50 000 in recognition of the outstanding calibre of the individual.

We anticipate that Principal Research Fellows will be able to focus on their research throughout the duration of their fellowship.

Eligibility

You should have an established track record in research at the highest level.

This award is particularly suitable for exceptional senior research scientists currently based overseas who wish to work in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

If you hold an established post you may not apply for a Principal Research Fellowship (PRF) to be held at your current employing institution.

If you hold an established post in the UK or Republic of Ireland you will need to be able to make a strong case to justify the requested move.

Application process

If you intend to apply you should contact us with a full CV, preferably 18 months in advance of the desired award date.

You may not apply for more than one Wellcome Trust fellowship scheme at any one time.

Deadlines

Applicants can express an interest in this award at any time.

Interviews for Principal Research Fellowships will normally be held in June and December.

Current award holders

Principal Research Fellowships are the most senior of our personal awards and provide long term funding for researchers of international standing.

A full list of current Principal Research Fellows is available.

Contacts

Enquiries may be directed to the appropriate stream, or by telephone to the Grants Management Helpdesk: +44 (0)20 7611 2020.

Immunology and Infectious Disease
E iid@wellcome.ac.uk

Populations and Public Health
E pph@wellcome.ac.uk

Neuroscience and Mental Health
E nmh@wellcome.ac.uk

Physiological Sciences
E phs@wellcome.ac.uk

Molecules, Genes and Cells
E mgc@wellcome.ac.uk

See Contact us for our postal address.