Fellowships and individual awards
Join an inclusive, multi-disciplinary research community and advance your career at one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities.
Research at Manchester
For more than 200 years, we've delivered original insight and pioneering innovations that have changed lives in Manchester and around the world. Our large and diverse group of researchers, including more than 200 Fellows, are critical to our research success.
Why choose Manchester?
In the Research Excellence Framework 2021, 93% of the University’s research activity was assessed as ‘world-leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*)
We are committed to creating a nurturing, inclusive research environment where your ideas are embraced, you feel a sense of belonging, and are supported, rewarded and can advance your career.
- In recognition of our research impact, equalities progress and positive culture, we are ranked first in Europe and second in the world for social and environmental impact (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025).
- The University holds the HR Excellence in Research Award based on our sustained commitment to the aims and principles of the Researcher Development Concordat.
- We hold Silver Athena Swan Gender Equality and Race Equality Charter marks and are recognised as a Disability Confident Leader and a top 100 Stonewall LGBTQ+ employer.
Our commitment to you
- Research culture and environment has always been a priority for us – we provide a suite of support, resources and rewards to underpin a rewarding and impactful career.
- A thriving community of Fellows across all Faculties and covering a diverse range of topics and disciplines.
- An extensive programme of dedicated career and professional development support.
- State-of-the-art research facilities and infrastructure.
- Access to internal funding and studentships.
- Networks to empower interdisciplinary research and excellent links with local and national partners.
How to apply
We support you at each stage of your fellowship journey, from deciding whether a fellowship at Manchester is the right route for you and finding the most appropriate award, to support with writing your application and preparing for interview.
Get in touch with the relevant group or Department within the Faculty where you wish to hold the fellowship to discuss your idea with the team there.
If you would like help finding the right person, please email:
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health
- Faculty of Humanities: James Evans
- Faculty of Science and Engineering: Daniel Twiddy
Any fellowship application starts with a brief expression of interest, where you cover the following:
- Research concept: What question or problem does your research aim to address?
- Significance and timeliness: Why is your project important and relevant?
- Stakeholders and audience: Who will benefit from your research?
- Methodology and collaboration: What research methodology, including any novel techniques or theoretical frameworks, will you use?
- Career advancement: How will the fellowship contribute to your professional development and help you achieve your career goals?
While developing your application, you can explore a package of tailored support with a University of Manchester academic supporting you.
This could include the opportunity to supervise a postgraduate or PhD student, access to laboratory space and equipment, or a University commitment to fund start-up costs, mentoring and training and support in finding an ongoing position.
Prior to starting your fellowship, you’ll have a named contact within the Department to keep in touch with and check that your package of measures is in place, with everything ready for your research to start from day one.
You’ll also receive a handbook outlining our procedures and the opportunity to visit your Department and meet with colleagues.