# Early Independence Clinician Scientist Fellowship

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Budget:** No upper limit; 80% FEC funded
**Deadline:** 2 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years (pro-rata for part-time)
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by an eligible UK research organisation; may include project partners providing cash or in-kind support
**Application:** Single stage
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/early-independence-clinician-scientist-fellowship/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For registered healthcare professionals (e.g. nurses, doctors, dentists, vets, pharmacists) with a PhD who are clinically active, to establish independent research within MRC remit to improve human health. Funds 80% FEC; covers salary, staff, consumables, equipment, NHS research costs; expected start Oct 2027-Jan 2028.

## Summary

The MRC Early Independence Clinician Scientist Fellowship provides up to five years of funding for registered healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, veterinarians) to establish independent research groups at eligible UK institutions. The fellowship is open to applicants of any nationality who hold a completed PhD or equivalent and have not previously led funded research teams; clinical sessions up to four days per week are permitted. Joint funding with charities including Diabetes UK and Parkinson's UK strengthens translational proposals aligned with their priorities.

## Who should apply

- Registered healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, veterinarians, allied health professions)
- Applicants holding a completed PhD or equivalent qualification
- Early-career researchers establishing their first independent research team
- Applicants hosted full-time at UK eligible research institutions
- Clinical and translational research projects bridging practice and discovery

## Key dates

- Deadline 2 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Single-stage application with decision meeting in March 2027
- Up to five-year fellowship duration

## Tips for applicants

- Joint funding with charity partners (Diabetes UK, Parkinson's UK, etc.) is available; check eligibility and align your research scope if seeking co-funding, as this strengthens impact scoring.
- Clinical commitments up to four days per week are permitted but the fellowship must be your main focus; articulate how the clinical component informs your research rather than competes with it.
- The 'independence' criterion is strict: previous grants supporting PhD or postdoctoral work do not disqualify you, but leading a research team via prior funding will. Be explicit about your prior role and why this is your first independent position.

## Frequently asked questions

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

Registered healthcare professionals (doctors, nurses, vets, allied health) of any nationality, holding a PhD or equivalent, who have not previously secured independence via grants supporting research staff. The fellowship must be hosted at a UK eligible organisation.

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

Up to five years.

### Can I do clinical work alongside the fellowship?

Yes, clinical sessions up to four days per week are permitted for relevant specialties, but the fellowship must be your main full-time focus at the host institution.

### Can I apply for joint funding with a charity?

Yes, the MRC offers joint funding with charities including Diabetes UK and Parkinson's UK. Check the charity's eligibility criteria if co-funding aligns with your research area.

### What funding does the MRC Early Independence Clinician Scientist Fellowship provide?

There is no upper limit; funding is provided at 80% of full economic cost (FEC).

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

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md&grant=mrc-ukri-early-independence-clinician-scientist-fellowship-2026-09).