Wellcome believes in the power of ideas to improve health. Hence, Wellcome Trust offers fellowship programs to support postdoctoral researches in health-related humanities and social sciences. Moreover, this fellowship benefits academicians who do not hold established academic posts.

What benefits Wellcome Trust Fellow Receive?

Wellcome Trust Research fellowship covers project expenses for up to three years. The fellows may hold a part-time fellowship over a longer period. Further, the fellows will receive an amount of  £275,000 which will support:

• a basic salary of the research fellow
• personal removal expenses
• research expenses

However, to receive the benefits of the Wellcome Trust Fellowship, the applicants must meet the eligibility criteria.

Who is eligible for Wellcome Trust Fellowship?

Wellcome Trust offers research fellowship in the areas of Humanities and Social Science. Hence, any postdoctoral researcher may apply if they want to carry out extended research on their own project.

While selecting for the fellowship, the committee formed from the members of the Trust will assess your eligibility on the basis of:

• the country of origin; The fellow must be based (or planning to be based) in the UK, Republic of Ireland or a low- or middle-income country
• further, they should have sponsorship from an eligible host organization.
• the significance and originality of your proposed research
• the suitability and relevance of your approach to your research topic
• your previous research contributions eg publications, conference papers, public engagement, and policy-related work
• the suitability of the host organization for your research and for developing your independent career

The trust considers applications from researchers in the early stages of their careers as well as more established researchers. Further, it will consider the suitability of your previous research contributions according to your career stage and experience.

The fellowship is highly competitive. Only the outstanding project wins the fellowship. Hence, the Trust encourages you to check that your application is competitive by discussing your project with:

• your intended supervisor
• researchers in relevant health-related fields
• the research office at your host organization.

When you are sure you have a competitive project, you may apply for the fellowship.

How do you apply for the Wellcome Trust Research Fellowship?

After getting approval for your project from the supervisor, you may apply for the Wellcome Trust Fellowship. As the nature of the fellowship is highly competitive, you must only send a preliminary application. Here’s what you must do to apply for the Research Fellowship.

• At first, submit a preliminary application. The review committee will assess your application and only will ask for full application should they consider your project valid.
• Next, submit your full application. After validating your preliminary application, the review committee will ask you for a full application.
• The application will undergo a competitive assessment where the review committee will shortlist the application.
• Further, the review committee will ask for external expert reviews from your peers. Hence, you should provide suitable references.
• Finally, at the last stage, the shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview which will determine the recipient of the fellowship

Deadline

The application for Humanities and Social Science research fellowship must be sent before 2 July 2019. The Wellcome Trust will not entertain applications arriving after the deadline. However, the Humanities and Social Science research fellowship are available for application twice a year. Candidates may apply for the fellowship in the January Round should they miss their opportunity.