Pre-Application Support Fund for Former Fellows

Introduction

The Former Fellow Pre-Application Support Fund is designed to help former ARC East of England Research and Impact Fellows develop a competitive application for a doctoral or pre-doctoral research award. Funding is primarily intended to support applications to NIHR Academy programmes but may also be used to prepare applications to other recognised research funders, including charitable organisations. Applicants must have a confirmed supervisory team in place before the support period begins.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• Have successfully completed an ARC East of England Research or Impact Fellowship, including all required deliverables.
• Work at an organisation based in the East of England.
• Not hold, or currently enrolled on, a PhD programme.
• Have a research idea (early-stage ideas are welcome).
• Have a confirmed supervisor, identified prospective supervisor, or have engaged with ARC East of England supervisor-matching support before the funding period starts*
• Provide an employer support statement co-signed by their line manager.

*For support matching with a potential supervisor, please email arceoercd.admin@uea.ac.uk.

Eligibility Funding and Duration

For the first funding round, awards will commence on 1 January 2027 and may be used over a period of up to 12 months.

A maximum budget of £14,500 per fellow is available, comprising:

• Up to £12,500 for salary backfill (pay costs)
• Up to £2,000 for non-pay costs

Applicants should justify the proposed level of protected time and duration (for example, 0.2 FTE for 12 months or 0.4 FTE for 6 months), as well as any non-pay costs. Applications will be assessed on the proportionality of the request, planned activities, and the level of research infrastructure available within the applicant's organisation.

As funding is limited, this award is expected to be highly competitive, with only a small number of former fellows being selected for funding. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with potential supervisors at an early stage to maximise the competitiveness of their application.

How Successful Applicants Will Be Supported

Successful applicants will be expected to work closely with their supervisory team to develop and submit their research award application.

In addition, the ARC East of England Research Capacity Development team will provide a small programme of structured teaching sessions covering key aspects of applying for NIHR Academy awards, including developing a realistic project scope and incorporating meaningful patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE).

Monthly cohort meetings will also be organised to provide peer support, facilitate progress monitoring, and offer ongoing guidance throughout the application development process.

How to Apply 

This opportunity is only available to former ARC East of England Fellows. Eligible former fellows who have consented to the retention of their contact details beyond the fellowship programme will have received the application template and further guidance directly.

If you believe you are eligible but have not received the application materials, please contact us at arceoercd.admin@uea.ac.uk.