Senior Basic Science Research Fellowships

Entry requirements

• Usually at least 6-10 years successful postdoctoral work with an established track record of research leadership
• Often a previous holder of an Intermediate Fellowship
• Get to know some of the BHF-funded researchers here to learn more about their lives, inspirations and research interests.
• Residency requirements do not apply
  • Senior Basic Science Research Fellows are eligible to apply for accelerated endorsement of the UK Global Talent Visa. More information on how to apply for an accelerated visa

Grant overview

• Five years with the possibility of competitive renewal for further five year periods thereafter. On renewal it will be expected that the host institution will provide at least 50% of the Fellow's salary.
• Within the first five years, part of the award may be spent overseas subject to a justified case being made.
• The Fellowship may be taken up on a part-time employment basis, where appropriate, following discussion and agreement with us and the employing institution. For more information read about our Flexible working policies.

Award may include

• Salary of applicant
• Salary of technician or research assistant if required and fully justified
• Research consumables directly attributable to the project. Consumables will not normally be provided overseas; facilities should be provided by the host department.
• Research equipment essential for the project. Equipment will not be provided overseas; facilities must be provided by the host department.
• Travel funding of up to £500 per year to present research at or attend scientific meetings relevant to the grant

For overseas visits of up to six months:

• Economy class travel expenses for the Fellow only.
• A justified subsistence allowance.

For overseas visits of more than six months:

• One return fare for the Fellow and immediate family.
• A reasonable contribution to healthcare insurance (e.g. applicable to USA).
• Housing contribution up to £3,000.

How to apply

Potential applicants for this award are strongly encouraged to contact the BHF for an informal discussion about their application before applying. Please send an email to [email protected] attaching a full CV and brief project description (no more than 1 side of A4). Please also provide an estimate of the anticipated cost of the grant you will be applying for.

• Read the information in How to apply
• Log onto the online application form
• The applicant must complete all the sections of the online application form
• Short-listed candidates will usually be interviewed

Case for Support

You will be asked to attach a single PDF document to your online application form containing the following information:

1. For resubmissions, include an unedited copy of the original feedback followed by a detailed response, limited to 3 sides of A4, explaining how the revised application has changed from the original submission.
2. Title of the proposed research
3. Abstract of the proposed investigation in 200 words or less
4. Background to the project and pilot data
5. Original hypothesis
6. Experimental details and design of proposed investigation
7. Power calculations
8. Expected value of results
9. List of references relevant to the proposed project
10. Appendices should be a maximum of 3 sides of A4 containing only tables or figures essential to the understanding of the application. Research papers whether published, in press or in preparation may not be attached (although hyperlinks can be provided).

Sections 2-8 must not exceed six A4 sides. The PDF file size must not exceed 20MB.

Please ensure Arial font size 12 is used. If this font size is not used, the application will be rejected prior to formal consideration.

Additional document uploads required on Case for Support page of the application form:

• Full CV of the candidate including list of publications and academic email address.
• Letter(s) of support from senior investigator(s) named as Fellowship supervisor(s) (if named).
• Letter of support from Head of Department where the Fellowship will be based, showing the academic institution's commitment to the applicant, including confirmation of any financial and career development support they will be providing.
• If a second institution or overseas visit is proposed, include a letter of support from a senior investigator who will provide access to space, resources and scientific guidance for the duration of the stay. Please also ensure that the purpose of the visit is explained clearly, in terms of the duration, the research to be carried out and any training that will be acquired.

Additional document uploads that will be requested within pages on the application form:

• Supporting letters from collaborators
• Intellectual property agreements where relevant
• Valid copy of ethical approval if relevant
• Brief CV (two A4 sides) of named staff for whom salary is requested
• Quotes obtained for any requested equipment with a value of £5,000 or more

The BHF is prepared to consider funding or part-funding Senior Basic Science Research Fellowships that include research experience with an industry partner. Please contact our office for advice if you are considering applying for a co-funded Senior Basic Science Research Fellowship.

Decision process

There are no closing dates. Please submit the application when it is ready and allow up to 6 months from submission to decision.

Receipt will be acknowledged within 24 hours and we will advise you when you can expect the result. Short-listed candidates will usually be interviewed and a decision on this will be reached by the Fellowships Committee (four meetings a year) after it has considered external peer review reports.

The flowchart below shows the application journey

Independent expert review

To help applicants better understand how their proposals are assessed, please see BHF independent review guidelines and blank review form.