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
August 2019 round
- Preliminary application deadline: 6 August 2019
- Full application deadline: 17 October 2019
- Shortlisted candidate interviews: 4 – 6 March 2020
November 2019 round
- Preliminary application deadline: 14 November 2019
- Full application deadline: 30 January 2020
- Shortlisted candidate interviews: 17 – 19 June 2020
May 2020 round
- Preliminary application deadline: 12 May 2020
- Full application deadline: 16 July 2020
- Shortlisted candidate interviews: 25 – 27 November 2020
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
View a sample full application form for Sir Henry Dale Fellowships [PDF 2MB].
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.
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.ac.uk, 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.
We are committed to supporting applicants with disabilities. If you require a reasonable adjustment during the application process, please contact the team innovationgrants@royalsociety.org to let us know.
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