Applications for ARC East of England Postdoctoral Bridging Award 2026 are now open. The deadline is 5 October 2026 at 12:00pm.
Introduction
This is a bridging award designed to support postdoctoral researchers in taking the next step in developing their research careers and progressing towards future fellowship and grant funding opportunities.
We expect successful applicants to submit at least one fellowship or grant application during this award period, such as an NIHR Academy Postdoctoral Award or Pre-Application Support Fund application (as Chief/Principal Investigator), or a research grant application as Chief or Co-Investigator. Where submission deadlines fall outside the award period, applications should be at an advanced stage and close to submission.
We also encourage award holders to continue pursuing these opportunities beyond the award period, with the aim of securing at least one successful fellowship or grant award within three years of completing the bridging award.
Applications will be assessed with these expectations in mind, while also taking into account the applicant’s current career stage and circumstances. Reviewers will consider whether applicants have realistic and well-developed plans, alongside appropriate supervisory and mentoring support to help them achieve their goals. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview and present their proposed programme of work. Final funding decisions will be informed by both the written application and interview assessment.
Eligibility
Our partner universities include Anglia Ruskin University, University of Cambridge, University of East Anglia, University of Essex, and University of Hertfordshire.
Applicants are eligible if they meet one of the following criteria:
- PhD candidates at a partner university who have submitted their thesis at the point of application and will have completed their viva before the award start date.
- Postdoctoral researchers employed at partner universities with ending contracts seeking bridging funding to apply for fellowships and research grants (e.g., NIHR Academy Postdoctoral Awards).
- Postdoctoral researchers with a fixed-term contract at partner universities seeking buy-out time to prepare fellowship and grant applications.
- Former ARC East of England–funded PhD and postdoctoral researchers to undertake a bridging award at partner universities to support fellowship and grant applications.
Further eligibility criteria, the potential award start and end dates, available budget, and contact details for any queries are included in the application template.
Before beginning your application, please ensure that you read the instructions in the template carefully. Applications that do not follow the guidance provided will not be considered for funding.