Fully Funded Sir Henry Dale fellowship provides outstanding post-doctoral scientists an opportunity to build their own independent research addressing an important biomedical question. The beneficiary can research on the molecules and cells vital to life and their role in the global spread of disease. Further, the beneficiary can also research on 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.

Besides, the Royal Society and the Wellcome Trust are the world’s most prestigious and influential scientific organizations. Moreover, it brings these two organizations together 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 organization.

Sir Henry Dale OM GBE FRS was President of the Royal Society from 1940 to 1945. Also, he was a founding Trustee and Chairman of the Wellcome Trust.

Benefits:

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 take upon part-time employment, where appropriate.

Unless stated otherwise, the following costs may be requested:

• a basic salary for the Fellow, as determined by the host organization; an additional Wellcome Trust enhancement of £7,500 per annum will also be provided
• also, 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)
• likewise, 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
• a Flexible Funding Allowance
• 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.

These fellowships are highly flexible and part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments can be accommodated. There is also provision for maternity, paternity, adoptive or extended sick leave.

Eligibility:

You are eligible to apply for Sir Henry Dale Fellowship if you have a Ph.D. and significant postdoctoral research experience.

If, for your Sir Henry Dale Fellowship, you’re proposing to stay in your current department, you should describe in your application how this proposal will further your independent scientific career. In exceptional cases, we are willing to consider a preliminary application if you wish to move the organization and are able to make a strong scientific justification for the move.

Time spent outside the research environment will be taken into consideration (e.g time away due to personal reasons such as maternity, paternity, adoption leave or other caring responsibilities; ill health or working in a non-research environment/role such as industry).

Individuals are not eligible to apply if:

• They have held or are currently completing a nationally competitive fellowship at the same level as this fellowship.
• In addition, if you’re currently applying for another Wellcome fellowship or a Royal Society University Research Fellowship.
• Likewise, Individuals who wish to combine research with a continuing their clinical career practice.
• Also, If you hold an established post

Moreover, you must have made intellectual contributions to research that have been published in leading journals. Moreover, you should be able to demonstrate your potential to carry out independent research.

However, resubmissions are not normally encouraged. If a previous application has been unsuccessful, please contact the Wellcome Trust for advice.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted through the Wellcome Trust Grant Tracker (WTGT).

Stages of application

1. Submit your preliminary application
We’ll assess your eligibility and give advice about your competitiveness and the resources you’ve requested. We’ll give you a decision within four weeks of the preliminary application deadline. If suitable, we’ll invite you to submit a full application.

2. Submit your full application

3. External peer review

4. Scientific review and shortlisting
One of the following Wellcome Trust expert review groups will review your application depending on your area of research:

• Cell and Developmental Biology
• Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
• Cognitive Neuroscience and Mental Health
• Genetics, Genomics and Population Research
• Immune System in Health and Disease
• Molecular Basis in Cell Function
• Pathogen Biology and Disease Transmission
• Physiology in Health and Disease
• Population and Public Health

5. Interview
If you’re invited to an interview, you’ll be asked to make a short presentation. This will be followed by questions from the Sir Henry Dale Fellowship Interview Committee. Interviews take place in London at the Wellcome Trust offices or the Royal Society.

Also, Sir Henry Dale Fellows should conduct research in line with the agreed policies and position statements of the funders.

Moreover, we will contact Shortlisted applicants at least two weeks before the interview date.

Awards will be conditional upon a satisfactory performance at an interview.