To grow the strength, breadth and diversity of the UK’s cardiovascular research workforce, BHF is opening Early Career Research, Future Leader and Senior Research Fellowship schemes to international researchers who have been working outside the UK for a minimum of 3 years.
Successful recipients of these fellowships are eligible for accelerated endorsement under the Home Office Global Talent visa route.
International applicants are eligible to apply for the following fellowship schemes:
- Early Career Research Fellowship (ECRF)
- Future Leader Fellowship (FLF)
- Senior Research Fellowship (SRF)
- Clinical Future Leader Fellowship (Clinical FLF)
- Clinical Senior Research Fellowship (Clinical SRF)
Applicants can apply for funding for the full duration of each fellowship.
- Applicants applying for funding for the 7-year duration of the Future Leader Fellowship will need to provide evidence of visa renewal at the progress review (end of year 4).
Entry requirements
- Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and potential to make outstanding contributions in their scientific field.
- Researchers working outside the UK for a minimum of 3 years at the point of application submission.
- UK passport holders or those eligible to work in the UK are not considered international applicants and should apply through the standard route.
- International applicants already working in the UK should apply through the standard route, please refer to the individual fellowship links provided above.
- International PhD students who were awarded their PhD in the UK are eligible to apply provided they have subsequently worked outside the UK for the required period.
- Applicants must have an established UK academic host institution prior to applying.
- Applicants must be competent in oral and written English. The applicant must confirm their competency on the application form and the UK Academic Advisor or Head of Department needs to include their assessment of the Applicant’s competency in their supporting statement.
UK sponsor and host institution requirements
- Applications must be submitted by the applicant with the support of their host institution and network of collaborators.
- The Academic Advisor should work with the applicant to develop the project proposal and, if awarded, should provide mentoring, support and guidance throughout the duration of the Fellowship.
- The host institution must be a UK university or research institution that is eligible to receive BHF research grant funding. Ineligible organisations include industrial, private and commercial organisations, university spin-out companies and governmental bodies.
Award may include
In addition to the standard elements of the fellowship award (as outlined on each individual fellowship scheme page), international applicants will also be eligible for additional support for the Fellow only, including:
- Global Talent visa application costs (up to 5 years)
- Immigration Health Surcharge (up to 5 years)
For Future Leader Fellowship applicants requesting the full 7-year duration, BHF will also cover:
- Visa extension costs
- Immigration Health Surcharge for the additional 2 years
Global Talent visa
BHF International Fellows requiring a visa to work in the UK are eligible to apply for a Global Talent visa under the accelerated endorsement process. Reflecting the prestigious nature of the award, the Global Talent visa route is intended for those who are internationally recognised as potential leaders.
Awardees are strongly advised to arrange their visa well in advance of the fellowship start date, as all fellowships must commence within 6 months of the award date.
Details can be found at GOV.UK and the Royal Society.
Application Information
- All sections of the online application form must be completed, as outlined on the individual fellowship scheme pages.
- Applicants must indicate they are international applicants within the application form and provide the following details:
- The institution and country they are currently conducting research in.
- The dates and duration of any previous academic work in the UK (if applicable).
- A brief statement outlining their motivation for conducting research in the UK.
- A summary of how their expertise and background will contribute to strengthening and diversifying the UK’s cardiovascular research environment.