Fellowships at Loughborough

We aim to provide sector-leading support to our Early Career Researchers through a structured Fellowship programme within a welcoming, dynamic research community.

Fellowships are prestigious funding opportunities for researchers to further their development and research.

We welcome enquiries from talented researchers who are keen to expand their expertise and contribute to our vibrant academic community.

We have a dedicated Fellowships Team who can provide guidance and support to navigate the various opportunities and maximise your success. If you would like to find out more about our full range of Fellowship opportunities, please get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

Internal Fellowship Opportunities

Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowships

The Vice-Chancellor Independent Research Fellowships (VCIRF) are a prestigious, competitive two-year Research Fellowship which offer a rare opportunity for postdoctoral scholars to establish their own ambitious research agenda, develop their skills as independent researchers and position themselves as future research leaders.

Read more about the VCIRF

External Fellowships

Beyond our internal fellowship, we actively encourage you to explore external fellowship opportunities.

These fellowships - offered by a range of organisations, foundations and government agencies outside academia - provide avenues for collaboration, networking, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

They can enrich your academic journey while allowing you to pursue your research interests, establish collaborations and gain valuable development opportunities. They can also add significant value to the broader academic landscape at the University.

Here is a brief overview of funders that offer a variety of fellowship opportunities.

The British Academy

The British Academy is the UK's national academy for the humanities and social sciences. The Academy funds fellowships, research and other initiatives across the humanities and social sciences - encouraging knowledge development and intellectual exchange within the academic community and beyond.

The British Academy

Leverhulme Trust

The Leverhulme Trust is a charitable foundation that provides funding for research and education. It supports a variety of disciplines - including arts, humanities, sciences and social sciences.

The Trust funds research projects, fellowships and scholarships aim to promote original and significant research across a wide range of academic fields.

Leverhulme Trust

Royal Academy of Engineering

The Royal Academy of Engineering is the UK's national academy for engineering, established to promote excellence in the field. The Academy supports research and innovation in engineering through grants, fellowships and awards.

Its goal is to advance technological solutions that address societal challenges and enhance economic prosperity.

Royal Academy of Engineering

Royal Society

The Royal Society is the UK's national academy of sciences which supports a diverse array of research initiatives. Focus areas span natural and social sciences, engineering, and medical disciplines.

The Society fosters scientific excellence and promotes advancements that benefit global society.

Royal Society

UK Research and Innovation

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) supports research and innovation across UK, funded by the UK Government.

It comprises several councils - including the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and the Medical Research Council (MRC).

UKRI funds a diverse range of research - spanning ground-breaking scientific studies, innovative technological developments and humanities research.

UK Research and Innovation

Wellcome Trust

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation that supports health research and innovation. It provides grants for a wide range of projects - from biomedical research to public health initiatives and humanities research related to health.

The Trust aims to improve health by supporting scientific discoveries, fostering an informed research culture and addressing global health challenges.

Wellcome Trust

Meet our Research Fellows