BBSRC: Discovery Fellowships, May 2018

The Discovery Fellowship (DF) will provide support for researchers wishing to undertake independent research and gain leadership skills. The DF will support the transition of early stage researchers to fully independent research leaders. As such DFs represent part of our commitment to the supply of highly skilled professional scientists to the UK, and are aimed at early career researchers who want to conduct their own independent research within a host laboratory. Applicants will have demonstrated high potential and have no more than five years of active postdoctoral research experience. The call is open to current PhD students who are expected to have completed their PhD viva exam prior to announcement of the awarded DFs (30 November 2018).

Awards are for three years and it is expected that up to 10 fellowships will be awarded, each of a value of up to £300k (80% fEC). Please note: BBSRC will provide funds of up to £300k (80% of the full economic cost). The total costs (100% full economic cost) requested may be up to £375k.

This investment can be used to support personal salary as well as travel and subsistence, training activities, and research consumables, but not equipment. In addition to this investment, it is also expected that a substantial demonstration of support for the fellow be made by the host Research Organisation (e.g. in terms of access to facilities and equipment, training, research costs etc.). Applications are welcome from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements (e.g. part-time).

Applicants and host organisations should note that value for money is an essential criterion against which fellowship applications will be assessed, alongside excellence and other key criteria. 

Proposals can be submitted in any area of science within the BBSRC remit - for VALIDATE members this is likely to be under 'One Health' or 'Biotechnology for Health'. They particularly encourage applications that are aligned with their overarching strategic priorities.

Eligibility:

• Applicants should have a PhD or be expecting to have undergone successful PhD viva prior to 30 November 2018
• Applicants should not exceed five years in active postdoctoral research employment prior to announcement of the awarded DFs (30 November 2018)

Non-European economic area applicants

• All successful applicants who require a visa to work in the UK will be eligible to be considered under the Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa route. In line with the highly prestigious nature of the award, this visa route is designed for people who are internationally recognized as world leaders or potential world-leading talent in the fields of science and the arts and enables the holder to be both adaptable and flexible during their research in the UK

For the full call text please visit the BBSRC grant call webpage.