# Open Fellowship

**Funder:** EPSRC
**Budget:** No upper limit; EPSRC funds 80% of full economic costs
**Duration:** Up to 5 years (pro-rated for part-time, minimum 50% FTE)
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted and supported by an eligible UK research organisation
**Application:** Single stage: application via Je-S, peer review, prioritisation panel, then interview for shortlisted candidates
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/epsrc-open-fellowship/
**Last updated:** 25 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to candidates with a PhD or at least 4 years' relevant experience, hosted by an eligible UK research organisation (HEIs, research council institutes, PSREs, NHS bodies). No nationality restrictions. Optional 'Plus' component allows 20-50% time on research culture leadership activities. EPSRC funds 80% of full economic costs; host organisation funds the remaining 20%.

## Summary

The EPSRC Open Fellowship funds individual researchers for up to five years to pursue their own research programme at a UK host institution, with no upper budget cap and EPSRC covering 80% of full economic costs. It is open to candidates with a PhD or at least four years' relevant experience, with no nationality restrictions, and accepts applications on a rolling basis. An optional 'Plus' component lets fellows spend 20-50% of their time on research culture leadership activities.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with a PhD or at least 4 years' relevant research experience
- Individual applicants hosted by an eligible UK research organisation (HEIs, research council institutes, PSREs, NHS bodies)
- Candidates of any nationality, since there are no nationality restrictions
- Researchers wanting to combine a self-directed research programme with optional research culture leadership work
- Those able to work at minimum 50% FTE for the duration of the fellowship

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline; applications accepted continuously via Je-S
- Single-stage application: peer review, then prioritisation panel, then interview for shortlisted candidates
- Up to 5 years duration, pro-rated for part-time at a minimum of 50% FTE

## Tips for applicants

- Because the call is continuous, build in time for the full sequence of peer review, prioritisation panel and interview rather than targeting a fixed date.
- If using the optional 'Plus' component, clearly separate the research culture leadership activities (20-50% of time) from the core research plan so reviewers can assess both.
- Confirm your host organisation will cover the remaining 20% of full economic costs before submitting, since this is a condition of funding.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget cap for the EPSRC Open Fellowship?

There is no upper limit; EPSRC funds 80% of full economic costs, with the host organisation covering the remaining 20%.

### How long does the EPSRC Open Fellowship last?

Up to five years, pro-rated for part-time work at a minimum of 50% FTE.

### Who is eligible for the EPSRC Open Fellowship?

Candidates with a PhD or at least four years' relevant experience, hosted by an eligible UK research organisation, with no nationality restrictions.

### Is there a deadline for the EPSRC Open Fellowship?

No, it has a rolling deadline and is accepted continuously via the Je-S system.

### Does the EPSRC Open Fellowship require a consortium?

No, it is an individual application hosted and supported by a single eligible UK research organisation.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/epsrc-open-fellowship-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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