# Development and Skills Enhancement Award

**Funder:** NIHR
**Budget:** Salary (up to 24 months FTE) + up to £10k training, £2k conference, £3k mentorship (24-month FTE max)
**Deadline:** 4 November 2026 (Cohort 11 closes 4 November 2026, 13:00 UK time.)
**Duration:** 12 or 18 months FTE; 24 months for specified professions or agreed exceptional circumstances.
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding/development-and-skills-enhancement-dse-award-cohort-11/2026485
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Postdoctoral skills development toward NIHR funding, not research activity funding. An English contracting organisation is normally required; the Addictions partnership permits equivalent hosts across the UK. See cohort guidance for qualifications, duration and prior-application restrictions.

## Summary

NIHR DSE Cohort 11 funds postdoctoral career development: salary, training, conferences and mentorship, not research activities. Applicants need an English host, except for the UK-wide Addictions partnership.

## Who should apply

- Relevant PhD/MD holders or applicants with a thesis submitted for examination; the degree must be awarded before starting. Previous-cohort applicants cannot reapply immediately.

## Key dates

- Closing: 4 November 2026, 13:00 UK time.

## Tips for applicants

- Choose 12 or 18 months FTE; 24 months is restricted to listed professional backgrounds or agreed exceptions. Training: £5,000/year FTE; conferences: £1,000/year FTE; mentorship: up to £3,000.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does this fund a research project?

No. Focus the application on personal career development.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/nihr-development-and-skills-enhancement-award-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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