The scheme is a partnership between the Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust. It supports research ranging from molecules and the cells vital to life, to the spread of diseases and vectors of disease around the world, to public health research.
We consider applications three times a year. You must submit your application through the Wellcome Trust Grant Tracker by 17:00 (GMT/BST) on the deadline day.
Application schedule
December 2020 round
- Preliminary application deadline: 3 December 2020
- Full application deadline: 23 February 2021
- Funding decision: Due to Covid-19, we may not be able to hold interviews. Candidates will be contacted with further details.
March 2021 round
This is the final round.
- Preliminary application deadline: 29 March 2021
- Full application deadline: 24 June 2021
- Funding decision: Due to Covid-19, we may not be able to hold interviews. Candidates will be contacted with further details.
Am I eligible to apply?
You can apply for this scheme if you:
- have a PhD and significant postdoctoral research experience
- have made important contributions to your area of research, eg publications, patents, software development or an impact on policy
- have sponsorship from a head of department or equivalent at an eligible host organisation in the UK (applicants who want to be based in the Republic of Ireland should apply for a Research Career Development Fellowship instead)
- are conducting research within the biomedical sciences and are aligned to the remit of one of the review panels
This scheme is not open to individuals who wish to combine research with a continuing clinical career in medicine, psychology, dentistry or veterinary practice.
If you have held or are currently completing a nationally competitive fellowship at the same level as this fellowship then you are not eligible to apply for this scheme. If you are currently applying for another Wellcome Trust fellowship or a Royal Society University Research Fellowship you are also unable to apply.
Resubmissions are not normally allowed. If a previous full application has been unsuccessful, please contact the Wellcome Trust for advice.
What is the scheme’s value and tenure?
The scheme provides funding for five years, with the potential to apply for a competitive extension for an additional three years.
The scheme covers:
- a basic salary for the Fellow, as determined by the host organisation
- Wellcome Trust fellowship supplement of £7,500 per annum for your personal support
- research expenses, normally including research post (postdoctoral research assistant or technician)
Flexibility
Time spent outside the research environment will be taken into consideration (e.g. time away due to personal reasons such as maternity, paternity, adoption leave or other caring responsibilities; ill health or working in a non-research environment/role such as industry).These fellowships are flexible and part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments can be accommodated. There is also provision for maternity, paternity, adoptive or extended sick leave.
What is the application process?
Applications should be submitted through the Wellcome Trust Grant Tracker (WTGT).
1. Submit your preliminary application
We’ll assess your eligibility and give advice about your competitiveness and the resources you’ve requested. We'll give you a decision within four weeks of the preliminary application deadline. If suitable, we’ll invite you to submit a full application.
2. Submit your full application
3. External peer review
4. Scientific review and shortlisting
One of the following Wellcome Trust expert review groups will review your application depending on your area of research:
Cell and Developmental Biology
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health
Genetics, Genomics and Population Research
Immune System in Health and Disease
Molecular Basis in Cell Function
Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission
Physiology in Health and Disease
Population and Public Health
5. Interview
If you’re invited to an interview, you’ll be asked to make a short presentation. This will be followed by questions from the Sir Henry Dale Fellowship Interview Committee. Interviews take place in London at the Wellcome Trust offices or the Royal Society.
Due to Covid-19, we may not be able to hold interviews. Candidates will be contacted with further details.
Application advice
Reviewers and decision-making bodies typically assess:
- the calibre of the candidate
- the scientific merit of the proposed project
- the significance of the research
- the suitability of the host environment for the applicant's development as an independent researcher
Enquiries may be directed to grantenquiries@wellcome.org, or by telephone to the Wellcome Trust's Grants Service Desk: +44 020 7611 2020. More information can be found on the Wellcome Trust website.
Support for applicants with disabilities
The Royal Society welcomes applications from scientists with disabilities and provides adjustments to ensure that they can participate fully in the selection process. If you need an adjustment when accessing the application form, attending interviews, or for any other part of the application process, please contact the Grants team on urf@royalsociety.org or +44 20 7451 2666. Adjustments can include, but are not limited to:
- extension of the deadline
- additional support to complete the application form
- technical support during interviews for candidates with hearing or visual impairments
- support during interviews for neurodiverse candidates and those with mental health problems.
If you wish to discuss the remit of your research proposal, please contact the University Research Fellowships team by email urf@royalsociety.org
Case studies
Dr Maciej Boni
Dr Sarah Woolner