# Early Independence Career Development Fellowship

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Budget:** No upper limit; 80% FEC funded
**Deadline:** 15 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; decision meeting March 2027
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/early-independence-career-development-fellowship/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For researchers post-PhD seeking first step to independence in MRC remit (human health). Must be hosted at an eligible UK research organisation; applicants of all nationalities welcome. Clinically active researchers are ineligible (separate clinician scientist scheme). Cannot hold a comparable fellowship or have secured grants as project lead with research staff. Fellowship must be full-time (or part-time for personal reasons only). Start date June–September 2027.

## Summary

The MRC Early Independence Career Development Fellowship supports researchers taking their first step toward research independence in human health, with up to five years of funding at 80% full economic cost and no formal budget cap. Postdoctoral researchers and PhD holders are eligible, provided they have not yet held project grants as principal investigator or comparable fellowships. Applicants must be hosted at a UK research organisation; all nationalities welcome; clinically active clinicians are excluded (a separate scheme serves that group).

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers and PhD holders seeking their first independent research grant
- Researchers hosted at an eligible UK research organisation
- Applicants working in human health and disease within MRC remit
- Researchers not yet holding project grants as principal investigator
- Academics planning full-time research or part-time for documented personal reasons

## Key dates

- Deadline 15 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application
- Decision by March 2027 panel meeting
- Earliest project start June 2027, latest September 2027

## Tips for applicants

- The fellowship is explicitly for first-time independent leads, do not apply if you have already held a project grant as PI or equivalent.
- Clinically active researchers are ineligible under this scheme; check whether the separate clinician scientist pathway fits your profile instead.
- State explicitly how the fellowship will scaffold your move to independence; review panels want to see realistic transition planning beyond the award end date.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for the MRC Early Independence Fellowship?

There is no formal upper limit; funding is provided at 80% full economic cost of your proposed research plan.

### How long is the MRC Early Independence Fellowship?

Up to five years; the exact duration is determined by your proposed research plan.

### Who can apply for the MRC Early Independence Fellowship?

Postdoctoral researchers and PhD holders in human health at eligible UK institutions, who have not previously held a project grant as principal investigator or comparable fellowship.

### Are clinicians eligible for this fellowship?

No, clinically active researchers are ineligible for the Early Independence Fellowship; MRC operates a separate clinician scientist scheme for that cohort.

### When do projects start if I win the MRC Early Independence Fellowship?

Project start dates are June, July, August, or September 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/mrc-ukri-early-independence-career-development-fellowship-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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