Imperial Physics hosts independent research fellows across many areas of physics. We routinely support successful applications across major UK and international fellowship schemes.

Fellowship development forms an important part of the Department’s research strategy. We aim to create an environment in which outstanding independent researchers can develop ambitious programmes of research within a supportive and collaborative community.

This page explains how fellowship applications usually begin, what internal steps may apply, and what to expect.

You can also download a Research Fellowships guide.

What this page covers

  • How fellowship applications typically begin at Imperial Physics
  • Exploring fit and sponsorship
  • Internal processes, including EOIs or nominations
  • Decision-making and communication timelines

Quick start: how fellowship applications usually begin

(You don’t need a finished proposal to start these conversations)

New to the UK system? Many applicants are new to UK host-institution fellowship processes. Early, informal conversations are normal and encouraged. Many fellowship routes can support visa sponsorship; eligibility does not need to be confirmed at the application stage.

Most fellowship applications at Imperial Physics follow these early steps:

  • Identifying a relevant Research Community 
  • Making early contact
  • Discussing sponsorship and feasibility
  • Checking whether an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) is required
  • Submitting an EOI (for schemes that require it)

Identify a Research Community (who to contact first)

If you are exploring a fellowship application and do not yet have a sponsor in mind, your first point of contact should be the most relevant Research Community.

Research Communities are academic groupings within the Department that bring together academics and researchers working in related areas. They are the best place to start conversations about fit and feasibility and can help you:

  • Explore how your research aligns with the Department
  • Identify potential sponsors or collaborators
  • Discuss suitability for different fellowship schemes

If you already have an academic at Imperial in mind, or an existing relationship, you may contact a potential sponsor directly.

If you are unsure where your situation fits, or which Research Community is the best fit, an initial conversation can often help clarify next steps

Explore our Research Communities

Finding and talking to a sponsor

To apply for a fellowship hosted in Imperial Physics, you will need an academic staff member to act as your internal sponsor. Sponsors support the development of applications, help shape proposals, and support fellows’ integration into the Department.

In many cases, potential sponsors are identified through early conversations within a Research Community. Some applicants may already have an academic at Imperial in mind and can approach them directly. It is normal to have exploratory conversations with more than one potential sponsor.

We encourage prospective applicants to contact potential sponsors early to discuss:

  • Research alignment and feasibility
  • Infrastructure or resource requirements
  • How a proposal might be refined or strengthened
  • Fit within the Department and relevant Research Communities

Contacting a potential sponsor to explore fit does not commit either party to an application. Sponsor availability varies, and not all staff can sponsor applications for every scheme or deadline. Applicants often tell us that these early conversations are useful for clarifying fit and expectations, even when they decide not to proceed with an application in that round.

If you are unsure who to approach, your Research Community can advise on potential matches or alternative routes.

Explore our academic staff profiles

Internal processes: Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and nominations

Some fellowship schemes require an internal Expression of Interest (EOI) or nomination process, while others do not. These internal steps are used to manage funder limits on applications, plan and coordinate Departmental support, and ensure proposed applications can be appropriately supported.

These internal processes are reviewed periodically to support consistent, fair, and transparent handling of applications.

Whether an EOI or nomination is required, along with internal deadlines and submission steps, is listed with each fellowship call on this page.

At a glance

  • EOIs are required for some schemes, but not all
  • EOIs are an internal step and are separate from the funder’s application process
  • Not being taken forward at EOI stage does not disadvantage future applications

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An EOI is a short internal submission used for some fellowship schemes to determine which applications the Department is able to support and, where required, nominate.

Because of funder limits and capacity constraints, not all strong EOIs can be supported in a given round. This does not affect future applications.

How EOIs are reviewed and decisions are made

EOIs are reviewed by the Department Research Committee in line with the assessment criteria of the relevant fellowship scheme, with consideration of eligibility, alignment with the scheme’s intent, readiness to submit a strong application by the funder deadline, and the Department’s capacity to support the application.

For most schemes, decisions are made at Department level; others involve institution-level coordination or nomination. Where institution-level nomination is required, the Department coordinates submissions, but final nomination decisions sit with the institution. The Department’s role and next steps are explained in the relevant call guidance.

What happens after you submit an EOI

You will receive confirmation that your EOI has been received. Outcomes are communicated in line with the indicative timelines listed for each call, and applicants are notified if timelines change.

Where an EOI is supported, applicants are advised whether this constitutes final Departmental support or whether an additional institution-level nomination step applies for that scheme. Supported applicants receive guidance on next steps, timelines, and available administrative support. Academic feedback and proposal development are typically provided through sponsors and Research Communities.

At EOI stage, decisions are made across multiple applications and are often driven by scheme-level constraints rather than the quality of individual proposals. Where an EOI is not taken forward, feedback may be limited due to the volume of applications and scheme constraints.

Applicants take different approaches while awaiting an internal outcome, depending on their circumstances and the external deadline. If you have not heard from us within the indicative timeframe, you are welcome to contact the fellowships team for an update.

Additional support available

The Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) offers optional support that complements Departmental processes. Applicants are encouraged to use these resources alongside guidance from Research Communities and sponsors, where helpful.

Early Career Researcher Institute – Fellowship FAQs

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and adjustments

If you experience any barriers during the application process, please let us know so we can make appropriate adjustments. Requests for adjustments or flexible arrangements are handled confidentially and do not affect academic assessment.

Imperial Physics is a diverse, international community where different perspectives drive discovery. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive environment for all researchers. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities — particularly those traditionally underrepresented in physics. We also welcome candidates returning from a career break or those seeking flexible or part-time fellowships due to personal or caring responsibilities. Broadening participation strengthens our research community and enhances the quality and impact of our science.

Research fellows at Imperial Physics

Imperial Physics hosts a diverse and international community of research fellows working across many areas of physics. Fellows follow different paths and fellowship routes, but share a focus on developing independent research within a supportive departmental environment.

To learn more about the research and experiences of current and former fellows, explore our fellowship showcase.

Meet the fellows

Ready to apply?

Before preparing your application, you should have:

  • Engaged with the relevant Research Community and a potential sponsor
  • Checked eligibility and conditions with the external funder
  • Reviewed internal deadlines and nomination requirements

If you are unsure about any of these steps, we encourage you to get in touch early.

Help us improve

We are continually reviewing and strengthening our fellowship support processes. We welcome feedback at any stage — including from those who applied, were not taken forward, chose not to apply, or are considering applying in future. Your feedback helps us improve clarity, coordination and the overall applicant experience. If you are willing to share feedback, please let us know how you found this page (for example via a specific call, colleague, funder or web search).

Share your feedback.

Stay connected and help share opportunities: @ImperialPhysics on X (Twitter), @imperialphysics on Bluesky, Imperial Physics on LinkedIn

Hashtags: #ImperialPhysicsFellowships (X & LinkedIn) and #ImperialPhysFellows (Bluesky)

Share this page: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/physics/opportunities/research-fellowships/

Other enquiries

The Physics Fellowships team provides procedural guidance only and cannot advise on academic fit or identify sponsors. Academic discussions should take place with Research Communities and potential sponsors. Eligibility is determined by the funder and set out in the funder’s call guidance.

For process-related enquiries, contact: physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk

Explore Fellowship Opportunities 

Current fellowship calls, internal deadlines, and scheme-specific requirements are listed below. Last updated June 2026.

If you are close to a funder deadline, check the call listing carefully and get in touch as early as possible. Internal deadlines ensure fair and consistent treatment of applicants and allow sufficient time to coordinate Departmental support; late requests cannot be accommodated. Applicants who miss an internal deadline are encouraged to discuss future opportunities or alternative schemes with their Research Community, and early engagement is strongly encouraged.

Research fellowships

Calls

EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: applications accepted year-round

This fellowship offers five years of support for talented researchers in the mathematical sciences who have demonstrated career consolidation and productivity and are ready to establish their own research niche and make a significant step towards becoming leading independent researchers.

Projects may have a maximum full economic cost of £1.25 million, of which EPSRC will fund 80%. Most of the research novelty must fall within EPSRC’s mathematical sciences remit.

An optional plus component allows applicants to spend between 20% and 50% of their fellowship time creating positive change in the research environment or community.

Note: If applying to be hosted by The Abdus Salam Centre for Theoretical Physics, first send your materials to theory-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk. Once you have received confirmation of support you may submit to the Department.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Eligibility: Applicants must have completed a PhD with additional postdoctoral experience, or equivalent experience, and demonstrate through their previous appointments the relevant skills, career development, productivity and early potential to become a leading and active researcher.
  • Department quota: None
  • Nomination deadline: None – always open (EPSRC assesses applications in two annual batches. Submit to EPSRC by 4.00pm on 30 April or 30 September for inclusion in the corresponding batch; EPSRC aims to provide outcomes within nine months.)
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest form (EOI), including CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk copying your proposed sponsor.

EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Postdoctoral Fellowship
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: applications accepted year-round

This personal, career-development fellowship offers three years of support for early-career researchers who are beginning to formulate their own research ideas and develop their careers in the mathematical sciences. Most of the research novelty must fall within EPSRC’s mathematical sciences remit.

Note: If applying to be hosted by The Abdus Salam Centre for Theoretical Physics, first send your materials to theory-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk. Once you have received confirmation of support you may submit to the Department.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Eligibility: PhD holders or those with equivalent experience by the proposed fellowship start date; early-career researchers without significant prior funding
  • Department quota: None
  • Nomination deadline: None – always open
  • Nomination process: Complete the Imperial Expression of Interest form (EOI) including CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk copying your proposed sponsor

 ERC Starting Grants
Status: Closed
Next nomination deadline: 1 July 2027 (expected)

European Research Council Starting Grants support early-career researchers to establish independent research programmes at the frontiers of knowledge. The scheme offers up to €1.5 million over five years. Applicants based in the EU or an Associated Country may request up to an additional €1 million to cover eligible costs such as start-up costs, major equipment, access to large facilities, major experimental costs and fieldwork. Applicants currently based outside the EU or Associated Countries who are relocating may request up to an additional €2 million for these costs and relocation.

Imperial Physics applicants are expected to commit 50% of their time to the grant. The Department will cover the remaining 50% in exchange for a small teaching load.

Key Facts

  •  Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Starting Grant applicants are normally eligible from the successful defence of their first PhD and for up to ten years thereafter. The eligibility period may be extended in eligible, duly documented circumstances. The precise eligibility dates and any application or resubmission restrictions for the ERC-2028-STG call will be confirmed in the official ERC guidance once published.
  • Department quota: 12

ERC Consolidator Grants
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 1 October 2026
Next nomination deadline: 1 October 2027 (expected)

European Research Council Consolidator Grants support researchers in consolidating their independence and establishing or strengthening ambitious research programmes at the frontiers of knowledge. The scheme offers up to €2 million over five years. Applicants based in the EU or an Associated Country may request up to an additional €1 million to cover eligible costs such as start-up costs, major equipment, access to large facilities, major experimental costs and fieldwork. Applicants currently based outside the EU or Associated Countries who are relocating may request up to an additional €2 million for these costs and relocation.

Imperial Physics applicants are expected to commit 50% of their time to the grant. The Department will cover the remaining 50% in exchange for a small teaching load.

Key Facts

  • Duration: Up to 5 years
  • Eligibility: For the 2027 call, applicants must have successfully defended their first PhD more than 5 and no more than 15 years before 1 January 2027—normally between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021 inclusive. The eligibility period may be extended in eligible, duly documented circumstances. Applicants should consult the official ERC guidance for the complete eligibility, extension and resubmission provisions.
  • Department quota: 12

Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 1 October 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 19 October
  • Internal finalisation deadline (for approved applicants): 7 December for Part A, including budget and resources justification.
  • Funder deadline: 12 January 2027

Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your proposed sponsor.

Imperial Research Fellowships (IRF)
Status: Closed
Next application deadline: July 2027 (expected)

The ICRF is a prestigious four-year fellowship supporting outstanding early-career researchers in establishing independent careers at Imperial with up to £30,000 for research/travel (up to £45,000 in justified cases)

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 4 years
  • Start Date: Between 1 August and 1 December the year after application
  • Eligibility: Up to 5 years’ postdoctoral experience, calculated from the date of PhD award to the proposed fellowship start date, excluding career breaks
  • Department quota: None

MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowships
Status: Closed
Next Internal finalisation deadline mid August 2027 (expected)

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie European Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious, EU-funded awards supporting talented researchers in developing independent careers through advanced training and international mobility. Fellowships last 12 to 24 months and are open to researchers of any nationality, provided they meet the mobility rule. Please note that we are not hosting Global Postdoctoral Fellowships.

Imperial guidance

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 12–24 months
  • Eligibility: Doctoral degree + no more than 8 years’ full-time research experience; must not have resided or worked in the UK for more than 12 of the 36 months before the call deadline
  • Resubmission restrictions: From 2026, applicants whose proposal scored below 80% in the previous call are not eligible to apply.
  • Department quota: None

NERC Independent Research Fellowships
Status: Closed
Next Grantham nomination deadline: early April 2027 (expected)

The NERC Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) scheme supports talented early-career researchers in environmental science to establish themselves as independent researchers. Fellows are expected to demonstrate leadership potential and deliver high-impact research within NERC’s scientific remit.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Eligibility: Researchers working in NERC science areas
  • Department quota: None

The Grantham Institute will be supporting NERC IRF applications. Please see the Grantham Institute fellowships information web page.

Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellowships
Status: Closed
Next Departmental nomination deadline: April 2027 (expected)

The RAEng Research Fellowships support outstanding early-career researchers to establish independent academic careers in engineering and applied sciences. The scheme provides long-term support to enable ambitious research programmes, international reputation-building, and meaningful impact. Fellows benefit from mentoring, professional development, networking, and opportunities to strengthen global connections, while becoming ambassadors for engineering and STEM disciplines.

Due to university-wide limits on the number of submissions, Imperial operates a competitive internal selection process for this scheme. Nominations are first shortlisted by the Department then submitted to the Imperial selection process. 

EOIs should be submitted to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your proposed sponsor. Submissions should include:

The Department Research Committee will review submissions and select up to two proposals to put forward to the College process.

Note the scheme has moved to a two-stage application model. The first stage will require submission of an RAEng Expression of Interest (if selected by Imperial).

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Eligibility: PhD awarded (or unconditionally approved)  ≤ 4 years before 25 June 2026. For this round only (2026/27) a margin of up to six months more than the four-year limit is acceptable.
  • Department quota: Up to 2 nominations to the Imperial selection process (1 of which must be from an under-represented group)

Royal Astronomical Society Fellowships
Status: Open

The RAS Research Fellowship enables outstanding candidates to pursue independent research in astronomy, solar system science, geophysics, or closely related fields.
The Norman Lockyer Fellowship specifically supports researchers focusing on astronomy, including solar system and planetary science.

Key Facts:

  •   Duration: 3 years, starting 1 October in the year of the award (or within 6 months thereafter)
  • Eligibility: Applicants must hold a PhD awarded after 1 October three years before the start of the fellowship, or have passed their viva by the deadline and be awarded their PhD before the start date (exceptions may apply in cases of maternity leave, career breaks, illness, etc.)
  • Be able to demonstrate that you have the right to live and work in the United Kingdom
  • RAS quota: two

 Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 16 October 2026
  • Funder deadline: 15 November 2026

Applicants should send a CV/publication list and ~one page proposal outline to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your proposed sponsor.

Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowships
Status: Open
Nomination deadline: 1 October 2026

The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 awards Research Fellowships to support early career scientists and engineers of exceptional promise. These fellowships are open to candidates in any branch of the physical or biological sciences, mathematics, applied science, or engineering.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 3 years
  • Eligibility: hold a PhD or be completing one in year of application and normally with no more than 2.5 years postdoctoral experience by 31 January in the year of applying, normally move to a different institution from both their PhD institution and their current host institution.
  • Department quota: Five

  Nomination process (Imperial Physics)

  • Internal EOI deadline: 1 October 2026
  • Results of Department selection announced: Week beginning 19 October
  • Funder deadline: TBC (expected early January 2027)

 Applicants should complete the Imperial Expression of Interest (EOI) form, including their CV and publication list, and email it to physics-fellowships@imperial.ac.uk, copying your proposed sponsor.

Royal Society Career Development Fellowship
Status: Closed
Next Nomination deadline: early August 2027 (expected)

The Royal Society Career Development Fellowship (CDF) supports outstanding early-career researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. The fellowship provides funding to help establish an independent research career and is open to researchers across the Royal Society’s scientific remit.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 4 years
  • Eligibility: You self-identify as being from a Black heritage, including mixed Black background; you are a UK national, or have completed part of your education in the UK (Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD), or hold/have held a postdoctoral researcher position in the UK; you have a PhD, or will have one by the time the funding starts, with less than 24 months postdoctoral experience
  • Department quota: None

Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowships
Status: Closed
Next Nomination deadline: mid July 2027 (expected)

The Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship supports early-career scientists who require flexible working arrangements due to personal circumstances such as parental or caring responsibilities or health conditions. The fellowship provides funding to help establish an independent research career and is open to researchers across the Royal Society’s scientific remit.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 8 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers with up to six years of research experience post-PhD (excluding career breaks) and have or will have by the start of the fellowship a need for flexible support due to personal circumstances
  • Department quota: None

Royal Society Newton International Fellowships 
Status: Closed
Next Nomination deadline: 14 January 2027 (expected)

The Newton International Fellowship programme provides support for outstanding early career researchers to make a first step towards developing an independent research career through gaining experience across international borders. The fellowships enable researchers to access expertise, gain new perspectives and build long-lasting collaborative relationships.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility: Applicants must have been awarded their PhD or successfully defended their doctoral thesis by the closing date for applications; have no more than five years of active full-time postdoctoral experience (excluding career breaks but including teaching and industry research), be based outside the UK, and not hold UK citizenship.
  • Each UK academic Sponsor can only support one application in any round.
  • Department quota: ten

Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF)
Status: Closed
Next Nomination deadline: 1 June 2027 (expected)

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship supports outstanding early-career researchers in the natural sciences who have the potential to become leaders in their field. The scheme offers up to 8 years of funding, enabling awardees to build an independent research career in a UK institution.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 8 years
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers with three to eight years of research experience (excluding career breaks).

Given the expected level of interest, Imperial Physics operates a competitive internal selection process for this scheme. Expressions of Interest will first be reviewed by the relevant Research Communities, with shortlisted proposals progressing to the Department Research Committee, which will confirm the applicants supported to submit a full proposal.

STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (ERF)
Status: Closed
Next Imperial Nomination deadline: To be confirmed

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, funded by STFC, enables early-career researchers to establish independent research careers within STFC’s core science programme, including astronomy, solar and planetary science, particle physics, particle astrophysics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, computational science and quantum technologies. The scheme provides funding for up to 5 years to support ambitious scientific research at UK institutions.

STFC limits the number of Ernest Rutherford Fellowship applications that each organisation may submit. Applications hosted by Imperial will be coordinated through a competitive university-level internal selection process. Information about the next internal round, including the institutional deadline, quota and application process, will be published on Imperial's STFC ERF page when confirmed.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 5 years
  • Eligibility: Applicants must hold a doctorate or demonstrate equivalent research experience, and show clear plans to establish their own research niche and independence. There is no time-bound eligibility criterion.
  • Imperial institutional quota: To be confirmed

UK Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Status: Closed
Next Nomination deadline: early February 2027 (expected)

The UK Intelligence Community (IC) Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are offered by the Government Office for Science and administered by the Royal Academy of Engineering. The scheme supports early-career researchers in science and engineering to conduct unclassified basic research relevant to the UK’s intelligence, security, and defence sectors.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: 2 years
  • Eligibility:
    • PhD awarded no more than five years before the funder submission deadline (28 April 2026)
    • PhD students are eligible to apply, but must have been awarded their PhD (or have it unconditionally approved) by 1 August 2026
    • Applicants must hold eligible citizenship (including UK, EEA, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland; dual citizenship permitted)
    • The proposed research project must address one of the research topics outlined in the applicant guidance notes
  • Department quota: Ten

UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (FLF)
Status: Closed
Next Imperial Nomination deadline: To be confirmed

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships scheme provides long-term, flexible support for talented early-career researchers and innovators from all disciplines and sectors to develop as influential research or innovation leaders. Fellowships support ambitious programmes, multidisciplinary questions, and new or emerging areas of research and innovation.

Imperial operates a competitive university-level managed selection process for this scheme. Information about Round 12, including the internal deadline, application requirements, selection process and institutional quota, will be published on the Imperial Future Leaders Fellowships page when confirmed.

Key Facts:

  • Duration: Up to 7 years (initial 4 years with possible extension)
  • Eligibility: Early-career researchers and innovators from any discipline or sector
Fellowships Elsewhere