The 2016 NERC Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) Scheme is designed to develop scientific leadership among the most promising early-career environmental scientists, by giving all fellows five years’ support, which will allow them sufficient time to develop their research programmes and to gain international recognition.
Funded By: The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
Beneficiaries(Target Groups): 2016 NERC Independent Research Fellowship is targeted for researchers of any nationality.
‣ Scholarship Applications are due on 1 October 2015
‣ As part of this scheme, NERC will expand its fellowship networking and training activities, working with host institutions, to support the development of future leaders in NERC science.
‣ The next closing date for NERC Independent Research Fellowships is 1 October 2015.
‣ Applicants can begin submission of their proposals on the Je-S System from 1 June 2015; prior to this date, the call will not appear on the Je-S system.
Eligibility
‣ 2016 NERC Independent Research Fellowships (IRFs) are open to researchers of any nationality and may be held in any area of the NERC remit, but must be based at an eligible UK research organisation. Applicants may not have a permanent academic position in a university or equivalent organisation.
‣ Applicants must expect to submit their PhD thesis before the fellowship interviews would take place (April following the closing date) and, if successful, would not be able to take up the fellowship until the awarding university has confirmed its intent to award the PhD.
‣ Applicants for NERC IRFs must have a maximum of eight years of full-time postdoctoral experience from the PhD certificate date to the closing date of the fellowship competition to which they are applying. The eight-year window is based on full-time working. Where applicants have worked part-time or had career breaks, the window would be extended accordingly.
‣ Applicants should not have a permanent academic position (or the equivalent in institutions other than universities). NERC staff in Bands 5 and 6 only can apply for a fellowship and, if successful, would have to resign from their position in order to take up the fellowship.
Selection Criteria for 2016 NERC Independent Research Fellowship
‣ In order to identify future science leaders, the assessment process will concentrate on applicants’ research potential, with track record assessed in a way that is appropriate to career stage.
‣ Applicants will be expected to:
- demonstrate their research vision and philosophy and outline ways in which their research could be developed over the five year fellowship;
- explain how they will contribute to the international research area and interact with the leading international groups in their field;
- explain how they will enable the potential economic or societal benefits of their research to be realised.
- In order to demonstrate a commitment to the development of NERC IRFs, the Head of Department of the host institution will be required to demonstrate:
- the availability of structured institutional support, including infrastructure and facilities, funds to support research, and access to PhD students;
- support for personal development of the fellow, including mentoring, appropriate review, and training courses.
Scholarship Application Method
‣ Applicants are expected to apply via electronically using the Application Form
‣ Scholarship Applications are due on 1 October 2015.
‣ Application forms and guidelines can be download from the official website
‣ It is important to read the application procedure, and visit the official websites (link found below) for detailed information on how to apply for this scholarship.
For more Information about 2016 NERC Independent Research Fellowship
