NIHR ARC East of England fellowship programme offers people working in health, care and voluntary service settings an opportunity to develop research and impact skills. Applications are now open and will close at 12:00 on 9 December 2026.
We are pleased to announce that applications for our ARC East of England Research and Impact fellowship programme 2027 are now open. The ARC fellowship supports and trains people working in health, care and voluntary settings across the East of England to lead small-scale research projects, bringing fresh thinking, innovation, and practical insight to health and care research.
Our Research Capacity Development Lead and Co-Lead, Professor Naoko Kishita and Dr Sion Scott, explain what the fellowship programme offers and the impact it has had on the careers of former fellows in this short film. Click below to watch:
What types of fellowship programmes do we offer?
This year, the following fellowships are available:
ARC Research Fellowship
This fellowship focuses on local applied research and evaluation projects, including audits. It aims to build local capacity for evidence-informed practice, supporting fellows in generating and using evidence to improve services.
ARC Impact Fellowship
This fellowship is designed for individuals interested in implementing and disseminating evidence-based improvements in health and care settings. It supports the development of knowledge and skills for achieving real-world impact from research.
Why should I apply to the ARC East of England fellowship programme?
The ARC fellowship was established in 2010. Since then, over 170 ARC fellowships have been awarded. Our Fellowship programme has supported a number of professionals in their careers, whether that be exploring the research field further or giving them the confidence within their own roles to support evidence-informed practice. The fellowship programme has a number of benefits, including:
Expert teaching
Our teaching programme is designed to equip you with the fundamental skills to deliver on your project. Led by experts in their respective fields, each session focuses on a different topic, ranging from statistics to how to involve the public and patients in health and social care research.
Backfill funding
You will be funded by the ARC for one day a week for a year (to a maximum of £12,500). This ensures that you have dedicated time every week to undertake your project, take part in the teaching programme, and participate in action learning sets.
Supported by a specialist supervisor
Receive expert guidance throughout your application and project from an experienced supervisor who will help you develop your ideas and overcome challenges. We encourage you to discuss your project with an Academic Supervisor or Impact Advisor before applying. View our list of potential supervisors here.
Networking opportunities
Our action learning sets aim to create a supportive community where you can share experiences, seek advice, and collaborate with your peers. Hear from our former Fellows here.
- Consistent support throughout your journey
We offer fellows mid-and-end point check-ins to proactively identify any area barriers, opportunities, and identify learnings for future programmes.
Who can apply?
To be eligible to apply for the ARC fellowship programme, you must:
- Be working within a health, care, or voluntary sector organisation.
- Be working in the East of England.
- Not hold a PhD, nor be enrolled in a PhD programme.
Please check the eligibility criteria and further details before applying.
How can I apply?
Applications are made through a written application, which you can find here. Applicants will be evaluated solely on their written application. There are no interviews as part of this selection process.
Learn more
We are holding two informative webinars about the ARC East of England fellowship programme. In these webinars, you will learn more about the programme sessions and be offered the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the application process. Register using the links below:
