Wellcome Trust Early Career Research Fellowship

Fellowship Overview

The Wellcome Trust Early Career Research Fellowship provides exceptional early-career researchers with the opportunity to establish their independence and develop their research careers. This fellowship supports innovative biomedical research that addresses important questions in human health and disease.

Research Themes

Primary Focus Areas

• Molecular and cellular biology
• Neuroscience and mental health
• Infectious diseases and immunity
• Genetics and genomics
• Global health challenges
• Public health interventions

Cross-cutting Themes

• Digital health and AI applications
• One Health approaches
• Health equity and social determinants
• Antimicrobial resistance
• Climate change and health

Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support

• Total Award: £250,000 over 4 years
• Salary: Competitive salary based on experience
• Research Costs: Equipment, consumables, travel
• Training Budget: Professional development opportunities
• Inflation Protection: Annual cost-of-living adjustments

Career Development

• Mentorship from established researchers
• Access to Wellcome's leadership programs
• International collaboration opportunities
• Policy engagement training
• Public engagement support

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements

• PhD in relevant biomedical field
• Within 8 years of PhD completion (career breaks considered)
• Strong track record of publications
• Evidence of research independence potential
• Institutional support guarantee

Research Environment

• Host institution must be UK-based
• Access to appropriate research facilities
• Supportive research environment
• Commitment to researcher development
• Adherence to research integrity standards

Application Process

Stage 1: Preliminary Application

Deadline: February 28, 2025

Required documents:

1. Research Proposal (8 pages)

   • Background and rationale
   • Aims and objectives
   • Methodology and timeline
   • Expected outcomes and impact

2. Career Development Plan (2 pages)

   • Training needs assessment
   • Professional development goals
   • Leadership aspirations

3. Budget Justification (3 pages)

   • Detailed cost breakdown
   • Value for money demonstration
   • Resource sharing arrangements

4. Supporting Documents

   • CV and publication list
   • Two academic references
   • Host institution letter
   • Ethical approval evidence

Stage 2: Full Application

Invitation Only - March 2025

Additional requirements:

• Extended research proposal (15 pages)
• Detailed budget (5 years projected)
• Three academic references
• Host institution commitment letter
• Data management and sharing plan

Stage 3: Interview Process

Shortlisted Candidates - April 2025

• Virtual or in-person interviews
• Research presentation (15 minutes)
• Q&A session with panel
• Career development discussion

Selection Criteria

Applications evaluated on:

Scientific Excellence (40%)

• Novelty and significance of research
• Methodological rigor
• Feasibility and timeline
• Potential for breakthrough discoveries

Researcher Potential (35%)

• Track record and achievements
• Leadership and independence
• Vision and ambition
• Commitment to career development

Impact and Translation (25%)

• Health relevance and benefits
• Knowledge translation potential
• Public engagement plans
• Policy and practice implications

Timeline and Key Dates

• Application Opens: December 1, 2024
• Information Webinars: January 2025
• Application Deadline: February 28, 2025, 5:00 PM GMT
• Initial Review: March 2025
• Full Applications Due: April 15, 2025
• Interviews: May 2025
• Results Announced: June 2025
• Fellowship Starts: October 2025 (flexible)

Support and Resources

Application Support

• Online application tutorials
• Template documents available
• Peer review opportunities
• Statistical support services
• Research design consultancy

During Fellowship

• Annual progress reviews
• Career development workshops
• Networking events
• International exchange programs
• Patent and commercialization support

Success Stories

Previous fellows have achieved:

• Faculty positions at leading institutions
• Major grant awards (ERC, NIH)
• Breakthrough publications in Nature, Science
• Patent filings and spin-out companies
• Policy advisory roles

Contact Information

Program Manager: Dr. Rebecca Thompson

• Email: early-career@wellcome.org
• Phone: +44 20 7611 8888

Application Support

• Technical queries: applications-support@wellcome.org
• Scientific queries: research-enquiries@wellcome.org

Address: Wellcome Trust Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road London NW1 2BE, United Kingdom

Visit our website for detailed guidelines, FAQs, and application forms: https://wellcome.org/grant-funding