MRC fellowships are personal awards for talented researchers to support key transition points in their careers. Many of today’s leading biomedical and health researchers look back on their MRC fellowship as a significant stepping stone in developing their career.
We offer a range of fellowships to meet diverse needs, allowing training placements in the UK, abroad or in industry.
MRC fellowships support:
- individuals transitioning to the next level in their careers, normally through a change from an existing / current role
- protected time to focus on your own research, shielded from other professional commitments; clinicians can undertake clinical duties as part of their award
- funding for a challenging research project and an ambitious programme of research training that offers accelerated personal and career development
- progression towards fulfilling long term career goals, which includes an aspiration to strengthening the UK research base
- a clear commitment from the host research organisation to supporting, developing and mentoring the fellow. See expectations that come with an MRC fellowship.
The fellow must plan to be based at the lead organisation at which the award will be administered and all applicants are expected to demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the UK research base beyond the period of their fellowship. If the lead organisation changes once the application is submitted, the applicant should contact MRC at fellows@mrc.ukri.org as soon as possible to discuss how they should proceed.
MRC is keen to support applicants returning to research following a career break or wishing to combine their training with domestic or professional clinical responsibilities. For further information, please see 2.10 ‘Equal opportunities’ and 2.11 ‘Part-time and flexible working’.
1.1.1 Responsibilities of the applicant
MRC expects all of the researchers it funds to adopt the highest achievable standards in the conduct of their research. This means exhibiting impeccable scientific integrity and following the principles of good research practice detailed in Supporting good research practice.
All researchers submitting a proposal to MRC must accept all relevant terms and conditions for research grants, including MRC’s additional terms.
We also expect all stakeholders in fellowships to act in accordance with our expectations of MRC fellowships and comply with the guidance in this handbook and the guidance for applicants.