🇬🇧 £6 Million Up for Grabs: Ernest Rutherford Fellowship 2025 Opens for Early-Career

Are you a rising star in physics, astronomy, quantum or computational science? The UK’s prestigious Ernest Rutherford Fellowship 2025 is your golden opportunity to kickstart an independent research career — with funding worth up to £6 million.

   

This competitive fellowship, funded by the UK’s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), is tailor-made for ambitious early-career researchers ready to lead cutting-edge projects at top UK institutions.

What Makes the Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Special?

The Ernest Rutherford Fellowship (ERF) is more than just a grant. It’s a full launchpad for researchers aiming to shape the future of science.

The programme offers five years of solid support to develop your own research ideas, establish an independent track record, and build collaborations across the UK and beyond.

The fellowship also sends a strong message: innovative, independent science is valued and nurtured in the UK.

Learn more on the official page:
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ernest-rutherford-fellowship-2025/

Fellowship Funding & What You’ll Get

Here’s why this fellowship stands out:

• Funding Duration: Up to 5 years
• Coverage: 80% of the project’s full economic cost (FEC) paid by STFC, with 20% matched by your host institution
• Salary: Full salary support included, whether you work full-time or part-time (at least 50%)
• Research Extras: £5,000 for essential minor equipment and consumables
• Travel Budget: ~£2,200 per year to attend conferences, do fieldwork, or collaborate internationally
• Relocation & Visa Help: Up to £3,000 for researchers moving from outside Europe, plus all visa & UK health surcharge fees covered

This ensures you can focus on breakthrough science — not on finding money for your next conference or lab costs.

Who Can Apply?

You’re eligible if you:

✅ Hold a PhD or equivalent experience
✅ Are early in your research career (there’s no strict minimum or maximum postdoc requirement)
✅ Do not hold a permanent academic post (like lecturer or equivalent)
✅ Plan to be hosted by a UK research institution with an STFC ERF quota

The fellowship is open to applicants from any nationality, and it’s designed to be accessible. You can also apply for the UK Global Talent Visa, making relocation straightforward.

Recommended: £110 Million UK Future Leaders Fellowship 2025–2026

Fields of Research Covered

Your proposal must align with STFC’s core science areas, including:

• Nuclear physics
• Particle physics & astrophysics
• Astronomy, solar & planetary science
• Accelerator science
• Computational science & quantum technologies

This is your chance to lead pioneering work in areas shaping tomorrow’s tech and fundamental science.

Support for Returning Scientists & Inclusive Careers

STFC strongly encourages applications from researchers:

• Coming back after a break (due to illness, family, or non-academic careers)
• Who need disability-related adjustments
• Looking for flexible or part-time research paths

All host institutions must submit an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Statement, ensuring your application is reviewed fairly.

How to Apply & Deadlines

Here’s how to move forward:

1️⃣ Contact your chosen UK host department as soon as possible. Many institutions have internal selection deadlines well before the official close.
2️⃣ Prepare your proposal with support from your host.
3️⃣ Submit your application via the UKRI Funding Service (note: not through Je-S).

⏰ Deadline:
1 October 2025 at 4:00pm UK time.

For complete details, see:
https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/ernest-rutherford-fellowship-2025/

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