Ernest Rutherford Fellowships 2026: Early Independence for Early-Career Researchers

STFC is offering up to 10 Ernest Rutherford Fellowships to support exceptional early-career researchers in establishing their own research niche and independence. The fellowships fund 80% of full economic cost for up to 5 years, with the host institution funding the remaining 20%. This scheme supports investigator-led research across multiple disciplines including astronomy, particle physics, nuclear physics, accelerator science, computational science, and quantum technologies. Eligible applicants should be early-career researchers ready to lead their own independent research programs. Host institutions must commit to co-funding 20% of eligible costs. The fellowships provide substantial support for researchers to establish themselves as independent investigators within the UK research community.