Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust are awarding Sir Henry Dale Fellowships for postdoctoral scientists wishing to build their own UK-based independent research career addressing an important biomedical question. Applicant must be a UK/EEA/non-EEA national who either has a relevant degree from a UK university, or has worked in the UK for at least a continuous three-year period. Fellowships are tenable for five years in the first instance, with the potential to apply for competitive renewal for an additional three years. If applicants propose to undertake fieldwork or research in a low- or middle-income country, they may be required to identify an appropriate Head of Department, or equivalent, in their overseas organisation.
Study Subject(s): Fellowships are awarded for research addressing an important biomedical question.
Course Level: Fellowships are available for postdoctoral scientists wishing to build their own UK-based independent research career.
Scholarship Provider: Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust
Scholarship can be taken at: UK or low- or middle-income country
User Review
( vote)Eligibility: You are expected to have relevant scientific or mathematical qualifications and, at the final decision point (i.e. at interview), be no more than seven years from the date of your PhD viva. You must be:
-a UK/EEA national
-a non-EEA national who either has a relevant degree from a UK university, or has worked in the UK for at least a continuous three-year period
-an exceptional biomedical scientist, who does not fall within the categories above, whose recruitment to the host organisation would be advantageous to both the applicant and the organisation.
-Holders of Royal Society University Research Fellowships or Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowships are not eligible to apply for a Sir Henry Dale Fellowship.
-Whilst this scheme is not open to individuals who wish to combine research with a continuing clinical career in medicine, psychology, dentistry or veterinary practice, opportunities may be available through the Wellcome Trust’s clinical fellowship schemes.
-You must have an eligible sponsoring host organisation in the UK with the support of the relevant Head of Department, or equivalent e.g. Centre Director, Head of School, etc., who can guarantee that you will be supported in developing your own independent career and that adequate space and resources will be provided for the duration of the award.
Scholarship Open for International Students: Citizens of UK/EEA (Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and UK. NB while Switzerland is not in the EEA, Swiss nationals have the same rights as EEA nationals) and non-EEA national (who either has a relevant degree from a UK university, or has worked in the UK for at least a continuous three-year period) can apply for these Sir Henry Dale Fellowships.
Scholarship Description: 
For outstanding postdoctoral scientists wishing to build their own UK-based independent research career addressing an important biomedical question. Research can range from the molecules and cells vital to life and their role in the global spread of disease, to clinical and public health research seeking to improve the quality of healthcare. It can be based in the laboratory, clinic or field, and may involve experimental or theoretical approaches. This Fellowship brings together the Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust, two of the world’s most prestigious and influential scientific organisations, in their shared commitment to supporting the future leaders of biomedical research. The scheme seeks to support individuals who would have previously applied for a ‘biomedical’ Royal Society University Research Fellowship or a Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship hosted by a UK academic organisation.
Number of award(s): Not Known
Duration of award(s): Fellowships are tenable for five years in the first instance, with the potential to apply for competitive renewal for an additional three years. Fellowships may be taken up on a part-time employment basis, where appropriate.
What does it cover? Unless stated otherwise, the following costs may be requested:
-a basic salary for the Fellow, as determined by the host organisation; an additional Wellcome Trust enhancement of £7500 per annum will also be provided
-research expenses, including research assistance if required (normally a graduate research assistant or technician; requests for additional research staff may be considered where fieldwork or clinical studies in a low- or middle-income country are proposed)
-travel and subsistence for collaborative travel or scientifically justified overseas visits of normally up to one year
-overseas allowances, where appropriate, for applicants working in low- or middle-income countries for 12 months or more
In addition the Funders will provide:
-an inflation allowance as set by the Wellcome Trust
-a Flexible Funding Allowance as set by the Wellcome Trust
-a contribution towards indirect and estate costs funded by the Royal Society (currently set at £11 000 per annum per Fellowship).
Please note that only the funds provided by the Royal Society may be used towards indirect and estate costs. The Wellcome Trust’s position on full economic costs is to pay the directly incurred costs of the research it funds, and other costs where these will further the Trust’s charitable mission. The Trust does not fund on a proportion of full economic costs (fEC) basis.
Selection Criteria: Reviewers and decision-making bodies typically assess:
-the calibre of the candidate
-the scientific merit of the proposed project
-the significance of the research
-the suitability of the host environment for the applicant’s development as an independent researcher.
Notification: Shortlisted candidate interviews will hold between 1-3 June 2016.
How to Apply:
-Preliminary application stage: Please use WT Grant Tracker to complete your preliminary application. Completed forms will normally be assessed within four weeks of the preliminary deadline.
-Full application stage: If eligible and assessed as competitive, you will be advised to submit a full application. You should only complete a full application form if we have invited you to; any full applications submitted without invitation will not be accepted.
Scholarship Application Deadline: The preliminary application deadline is April 5, 2017.
