Newton International Fellowships Scheme

 

Call Open: Newton International Fellowships

The Newton International Fellowships are for non-UK early career postdoctoral researchers from any country outside the UK, who wish to conduct research in the UK for two years in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences or the humanities. The scheme aims to foster long-term international collaborations 

Please note: For this round, Newton International Fellowships are made available by the Royal Society, and British Academy only (the Academy of Medical Sciences are not participating in this round). 

Potential applicants need to have already established a Co-applicant at the University of Bristol in order to be supported to apply through the University of Bristol.

Deadline: 3pm Wednesday June 16th 2021 

Aims of the Scheme

  • To support the development and training of postdoctoral researchers at an early stage of their career from any country outside the UK, by providing an opportunity to work at a UK research institution for two years.
  • To ensure the best postdoctoral researchers across all relevant disciplines from around the world are supported in the UK.
  • To foster long-term relations between Newton International Fellows and the UK research base through the establishment of an alumni programme for former Fellows of this Scheme. 

Subjects covered

Research must be within the remit of one of the relevant funders (Royal Society or British Academy only for this Round). If in any doubt about eligibility of a project, please email info@newtonfellowships.org .

Funding provided 

  • £24,000 per annum for subsistence costs (tax exempt)
  • up to £8,000 per annum for consumables
  • a one-off payment of up to £3,500 for relocation expenses in year one only
  • contribution towards the cost of dependents’ (partner and children only) visas required to relocate to the UK
  • a contribution will also be made to enable the UK host institution to host a Fellowship; this will be equal to 50% of the award (excluding the additional funding for dependants’ visas).

Duration

 Fellowships will be held for two years, on a full time basis. Fellowships are expected to commence by 30 June 2022, but not before 01 January 2022.

Applicant Eligibility

For full eligibility criteria, please see the guidance notes for Royal Society or British Academy.

The key points include;

  • Applicants must have a PhD or be in the final stage of their PhD provided that it will be completed (including viva) before the start date of the fellowship. Confirmation of award of the PhD will be required before any fellowship award is confirmed.
  • Applicants should have no more than seven years active full-time postdoctoral experience at the time of application, including teaching experience, time spent in industry on research, honorary positions and/or visiting researcher positions. Career breaks must be clearly detailed and explained in the application.
  • Applicants should be working outside the UK and should not hold UK citizenship at the time of application. Individuals already living, working or undertaking research in the UK are not eligible to apply.
  • Individuals who have lived, worked or undertaken research in the UK in the 12 months prior to the application deadline are not eligible to apply.
  • Applicants must be competent in oral and written English. The applicant must confirm their competency on the application form and the UK Co-applicant needs to include the applicant’s competency in their supporting statement.

 UK Co-applicant Eligibility

 The UK Co-applicant must be an established independent researcher of at least postdoctoral (or equivalent) status and must make all the necessary practical and administrative arrangements for the duration of the Fellowship.

  • The UK co-applicant must hold a permanent or fixed term contract in a publicly-funded research organisation. In the case of fixed term contracts, employment must continue for at least the duration of the project.
  • Contact between the UK Co-applicant and Applicant prior to the application is essential. This contact should lead to a clearly defined and mutually-beneficial research project proposal.
  • The suitability and strength of the UK Co-applicant including their track record in the area of proposed research as well as in supervising and mentoring early career researchers will be assessed.

Further information on the assessment criteria, eligible costs, the five mandatory supporting statements or references (including Head of Department supporting statements plus Nominated references), and submission process can be found in the Royal Society guidance notes or BA guidance notes.