# Early Independence Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026 **Funder:** STFC (UKRI) **Deadline:** 30 September 2026 (4:00pm UK time. Host organisations must submit ED&I statement by 30 September 2026. Internal institutional deadlines may be earlier.) **Duration:** 5 years **Consortium:** No **Application:** Single stage; host organisation internal selection may precede STFC deadline **Frequency:** Annual **Eligible countries:** GB **Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/early-independence-ernest-rutherford-fellowships-2026/ **Last verified:** 4 July 2026 ## Eligibility & scope For researchers (any nationality) seeking to establish independent research niche in STFC remit areas (astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, quantum technologies, etc.). Must be hosted at a UK research organisation holding an ERF quota. STFC funds 80% FEC; host funds balance. Up to 10 fellowships offered. Cannot fund PDRAs or PhD students. Part-time (≥50% FTE) permitted. ## Summary The Early Independence Ernest Rutherford Fellowship funds early-career researchers from any nationality to establish independent research niches in STFC priority areas (astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, quantum technologies) at UK host organisations, over five years. Fellowships support salary, equipment, and running costs at 80% full economic cost; the host institution covers the balance. Part-time working (≥50% FTE) is permitted, and PhD students or postdoctoral researchers cannot be funded on the grant itself. ## Who should apply - Early-career researchers of any nationality seeking to establish independence in STFC-remit physics and astronomy - Researchers hosted at a UK research organisation with an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship quota - Scientists in astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, or quantum technologies - Applicants able to work part-time (≥50% FTE) or full-time for the five-year duration ## Key dates - Deadline: 30 September 2026 at 4:00 PM UK time (host organisations must also submit ED&I statement by this date) - Single-stage application; some host organisations may run internal selection beforehand - Five-year fellowship duration ## Tips for applicants - Check whether your host organisation holds an ERF quota and has internal deadlines, these often precede STFC's deadline significantly. - STFC funds 80% FEC only; your host must have committed to funding the 20% balance before you submit. - The fellowship cannot support PhD students or postdoctoral researchers as employees, plan your team structure accordingly. ## Frequently asked questions ### What can I fund with an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship? Salary, equipment, and running costs for your independent research group over five years, at 80% full economic cost. You cannot directly fund PhD students or postdoctoral researchers as grant-supported employees. ### Who is eligible for an Early Independence Ernest Rutherford Fellowship? Early-career researchers of any nationality, hosted at a UK research organisation holding an ERF quota, working in STFC remit areas (astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, quantum technologies). ### Can I work part-time on an Ernest Rutherford Fellowship? Yes, part-time working at ≥50% full-time equivalent is permitted for the duration of the fellowship. ### How much does STFC fund, and who pays the rest? STFC funds 80% of full economic cost; your host organisation must fund the remaining 20% of eligible costs. ### How often is the Early Independence Ernest Rutherford Fellowship advertised? The call opens annually, with a deadline in late September each year. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/ukri-stfc-early-independence-ernest-rutherford-fellowships-2-2026-09) — 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).