Travel Fellowships

Entry requirements

• Usually more than three years postdoctoral experience, but applicants with less postdoctoral experience are also eligible to apply
• Applicant must hold a post in the UK and a guaranteed post to return to after the fellowship

Grant duration

• One month to one year, with the possibility of an extension of up to one year

Award may include

For visits of up to six months:

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

For visits of more than six months:

• The Fellowship will reimburse the university a replacement salary for a tenured member of staff, or pay the salary of a non-tenured fellow
• One return economy fare for the Fellow and immediate family
• A reasonable contribution to healthcare insurance (e.g. applicable to USA)
• Housing contribution up to £3,000
• Research expenses will not normally be awarded; facilities should be provided by the host department

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
• Ensure the named Supervisor in the application form is your UK Supervisor

Case for support 

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

1. For resubmissions, include previous feedback and provide 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).
11. Details of the purpose of the visit, place(s) to be visited and what the applicant hopes to gain as a result of the visit.

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).
• For the host institution, 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.
• Letter of support from Head of Department (in the UK).

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 (if requesting a replacement salary for a visit of more than six months in duration).

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.