In line with BHF’s strategic refresh, this scheme will officially close on 23 July 2025. Prospective applicants will be eligible to apply for our new fellowship schemes, which are expected to be announced in summer 2025. Updates on the launch and opening dates of these new schemes will be published on our website.
Entry requirements
- Successful postdoctoral researcher returning after a career break of 1 or more years.
- Residency requirements do not apply
- Career Re-Entry Research Fellows are eligible to apply for accelerated endorsement of the UK Global Talent Visa. More information on the UK Global Talent visa
- Get to know some of BHF-funded researchers here to read more about their lives, career inspirations and research interests.
Grant overview
- Four years duration with the possibility of a one year extension. For more information on how to apply for an extension to a Fellowship
- The candidate must have the support of a named senior investigator who will guarantee access to space and resources and provide scientific guidance for the duration of their Fellowship. This individual should be named on the application form as a 'Supervisor' and provide an appropriate letter of support as part of the application.
- 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
- Research equipment essential for the project
- Travel funding of up to £500 per year to present research at or attend scientific meetings relevant to the grant
How to apply
- Read the information in How to apply
- Log onto the online application form
- Complete all the sections of the online application form following the instructions in the GMS User Guide
- Candidates may be interviewed
Case for support
You will be asked to attach a single PDF document to your online application form containing the following information:
- 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.
- Title of proposed research
- Abstract of the proposed investigation in 200 words or less
- Background to the project and pilot data
- Original hypothesis
- Experimental details and design of proposed investigation
- Power calculations
- Expected value of results
- List of references relevant to the proposed project
- 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 6 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)
- Letter of support from Head of Department where Fellowship will be based
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
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. Candidates may 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.
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