UKRI Leaders Fellowships - Round

Overview

Brunel University of London invites applications from those candidates interested in applying to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships scheme whose research interests align with those of the University. Brunel will support up to four UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships applications in round 11 of the competition. Applications for this scheme require a commitment from the host institution, and Brunel will hold an internal competition to decide which applications it will support.

Research Support & Development Office

Research Support & Development Office

Full Time

09/01/2026

20/02/2026

5019

• Round 10 Guidance for Academic-hosted Applicants (PDF , 501.15kb)

Brunel University of London invites applications from those candidates interested in applying to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships scheme whose research interests align with those of the University (  ). Brunel will support up to four UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships applications in round 11 of the competition. Applications for this scheme require a commitment from the host institution, and Brunel will hold an internal competition to decide which applications it will support.

The UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships scheme will support early career researchers and innovators with outstanding potential who are transitioning to / establishing independence. Applicants are expected to hold a doctorate or have equivalent research experience or training. Candidates must check they are eligible for the scheme before proceeding with the application process described below. More information can be found on the UKRI website ( Pre-announcement: Future Leaders Fellowship: round 11 – UKRI ).

Please e-mail  if you have any queries about the Brunel process.

Candidates must identify an academic champion from amongst Brunel’s academic staff and discuss their application with the champion before applying.

You should attach the following documents

• A full CV including education, publications, any awards, thesis title and examiners
• A two-page (maximum) draft statement of activities to be carried out during the fellowship, describing your Vision and Approach, and Career Development intentions. You may like to refer to the guidance and ‘how to apply’ section from Round 10 ( Future Leaders Fellowships: round 10 – UKRI ).
• A 150 word abstract summarising the research for a general audience
• A covering letter outlining your fit with the Person Specification (see Round 10 Guidance for Academic-hosted Applicants ) for the scheme.
• A letter of support from your academic champion which also confirms Head of Department support

Your application must be submitted by midnight on 20 February 2026

All complete applications will be considered by a panel of senior academic staff. Shortlisted candidates and their academic champion will be invited for interview before the final selection is made. In assessing applications, the panel will be guided by the quality of the proposed research project, its relevance to Brunel’s research priorities and the potential of the candidate to become a future research and innovation leader.

The panel will also bear in mind UKRI’s objectives to foster new research and innovation career paths, tackle difficult and novel challenges and support adventurous, ambitious programmes.

Brunel University of London is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive workforce culture. We support flexible working. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and communities. We particularly welcome applications from candidates who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Candidates will be informed of the outcome of the selection process by 13 th March and support will be given on the preparation and submission of the proposal.