Future Leaders Fellowship Round 10

Establish your first independent research group at IRR with the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship

Further information on the Future Leaders Fellowships and how to apply to be hosted at IRR.

About the Fellowship 

The Future Leaders Fellowship offers funding to support ambitious research and innovation across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s remit. At IRR, we are seeking early career researchers and innovators who are seeking to establish an independent research group with us. We welcome interest across a range of disciplines and approaches aligning with our research strengths in the study of tissue regeneration and repair to advance human health and reproductive outcomes.  

The support will enable each fellow to tackle ambitious and challenging research and innovation and develop their own careers.

Fellows will benefit from:

  • A scheme that is committed to supporting excellent researchers and innovators regardless of their background. Fellowships can be held on a part-time basis for personal commitments and/or as part of a job share. 
  • Networking across their cohort of some of the UK’s most talented researchers and innovators from different disciplines and sectors, putting them at the forefront of modern, interdisciplinary research.
  • A career boost, including time and investment for training and professional development, providing a route to an open-ended contract.

Further details on the UKRI website

Professor Rod Mitchell, who became a UKRI Future Leaders Fellow in 2019, shares his experience of being a fellow at IRR.

Preparing your outline stage application

Applicants must obtain the backing of a host Institute or School to be eligible for the University’s internal selection process. To be hosted at IRR, you will need to complete the below steps by the deadline of Wednesday o5 February 2025.

Step 1 - Record your interest

Prospective candidates are asked to complete a notification of interest. This is to help the University track interest in this scheme and candidates' journey. No commitment is required at this stage from either yourself or your prospective host.

Notification of Interest - Microsoft Form

Step 2 - Reach out to the our Centre Director(s)

The Directors of our three Centres can advise on fit to the Future Leaders Fellows scheme and to IRR. Get in touch with the Director(s) of the Centre that align closely with your research to discuss your interest, vision for the fellowship, and to explore strategic alignment.

Centre for Inflammation Research - Professor avid Dockrell

Centre for Regenerative Medicine - Professor Tilo Kunath and Professor Anna Williams

Centre for Reproductive Health - Professor Andrew Horne

Step 3 - Submit your materials

Prepare your outline application materials and submit these to IRR.Research@ed.ac.uk by 05 February 2025. You will be advised of the review outcome and provided feedback during the week commencing 24 February 2025. Further details on materials to provide can be found on the Edinburgh Research Office website. 

Applying for the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship - Edinburgh Research Office

Application Timeline

  • Wed 05 Feb 2025, 17:00pm (UK time): Deadline for candidates wishing to be hosted in IRR to submit materials to IRR.Research@ed.ac.uk.
  • Week commencing 24 Feb 2025: IRR candidates are advised of the review outcome and provided feedback.
  • Tue 25 Mar 2025, 11:00 (UK time): Deadline to submit materials to College Panels.
  • Mon 28 Apr 2025, 11:00 (UK time): Deadline to submit materials to the University Panel.
  • Wed 18 Jun 2025, 16:30 (UK time): Deadline to submit to UKRI.

For enquiries and further support with the process, please email us IRR.Research@ed.ac.uk.

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