Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh

Are you a postdoctoral researcher eager to strengthen your academic profile and pursue independent research in the UK? The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh are now open for applications. These prestigious fellowships provide exceptional opportunities to develop innovative projects, publish influential work, and build a solid pathway toward a permanent academic career.

Fellowship Overview

The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship is one of the most competitive and respected postdoctoral opportunities in the UK, attracting scholars from across the globe. At the University of Edinburgh, fellows join a world-class research environment with access to leading academics, collaborative networks, and state-of-the-art resources.

The fellowship lasts for three years on a full-time basis, though fellows may request part-time arrangements over a longer period for reasons such as health, disability, or childcare. In 2026, the Leverhulme Trust will award 145 fellowships, making this a truly selective and highly regarded program.

Fellowship Benefits

Successful fellows at the University of Edinburgh receive:

Full financial support for three years at a UK host institution.
Mentorship and academic guidance from experienced faculty at the University of Edinburgh.
Opportunities to publish significant research outputs and build a strong academic track record.
Institutional support to prepare for permanent academic appointments.
Integration into Edinburgh’s vibrant research community, enabling collaboration across disciplines.

This package makes the Leverhulme Fellowship one of the most attractive fully funded postdoctoral opportunities in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet both the Leverhulme Trust and University of Edinburgh requirements:

Hold a PhD awarded within four years of viva voce (after 19 February 2022).
Consideration for career breaks (such as maternity leave, illness, or caregiving) is allowed.
Be supported by a UK host institution, and at Edinburgh, specifically the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) through study, employment, or research links.
Have at least two high-quality peer-reviewed publications.
Be of any nationality, but must be resident in the UK during the fellowship.
Applicants with permanent academic posts or those who have already led a comparable three-year research project are not eligible.

Application Timeline

The University of Edinburgh runs an internal selection process before nominations are submitted to the Leverhulme Trust. Key dates for the 2026 cycle include:

10 November 2025 – Internal School deadline for submission of project proposal, CV, references, and mentor statement.
Mid-December 2025 – Notification of selected candidates.
1 January 2026 – Leverhulme Trust application portal opens.
29 January 2026 – Draft applications with budget submitted for School review.
19 February 2026 – Final deadline for submission to Leverhulme Trust.
May 2026 – Announcement of fellowship results.

This structured timeline ensures candidates have adequate time for internal feedback and refinement of their applications.

Application Process

Interested applicants must begin by contacting the SPS Research Office at the University of Edinburgh to register their interest. The application package includes:

A two-page project proposal outlining the planned research.
A one-page list of references.
A two-page CV highlighting academic achievements.
A one-page mentor statement, confirming institutional support.

Once submitted, applications will be reviewed internally. Shortlisted candidates will receive feedback to strengthen their proposals before the final submission to the Leverhulme Trust.

Why Apply to the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship?

For early career researchers, this fellowship is more than financial support—it is an invaluable stepping stone toward academic independence. By joining the University of Edinburgh, fellows gain access to:

One of the UK’s leading research institutions.
Mentorship from renowned scholars.
A platform to publish groundbreaking work.
Networking opportunities that foster long-term career development.

If you are committed to pursuing innovative research and building a lasting academic career, the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026 at the University of Edinburgh offer an ideal opportunity.