Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026

Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships aim to provide career development opportunities for those who are at a relatively early stage of their academic careers, but who have a proven record of research. The expectation is that Fellows should undertake a significant piece of publishable work during their tenure, and that the Fellowships should lead to a more permanent academic position, either within the same or another institution. Approximately 145 Fellowships will be available in 2026. Fellowships can be held at universities or at other institutions of higher education in the UK. Full details of the scheme, funding and eligibility are available on the Leverhulme website.

The closing date for applications to Leverhulme is 19 February 2026 at 4pm, with decisions released in May.

Warwick Philosophy Department invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to support in the latest round of the scheme. Up to three applicants will be selected for departmental support through a competitive selection process.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Expressions of interest in the scheme should be sent by email to Gemma Basterfield at Gemma dot Basterfield at warwick dot ac dot uk by Thursday, 18 December 2025 at 12 noon. 

2. All expressions of interest should include the following materials:

   1. An outline project proposal (2 pages maximum)

   2. An academic CV

   3. A forwarded email or a letter confirming support for your application from your chosen mentor in Warwick Philosophy Department (who must be a permanent member of staff). This should NOT be a full reference letter, just three simple statements 1. Strength of support 2. Fit with mentor’s research 3. Fit with the Philosophy Department and, where appropriate, the wider University.

3. All submissions received by the deadline and meeting these requirements will be reviewed by the Department Selection Panel.

4. The criteria for selection are:

• Research track-record of nominee
• Quality of proposed research to be conducted while at Warwick
• Fit with the mentor and the strength of their support
• Fit with broader aims of the Leverhulme competition.

5. Decisions will be reported back to applicants within a week of the deadline.

6. Successful applicants will receive feedback and administrative support from the Department and University prior to the Leverhulme deadline on 19 February.

Queries about the scheme or process should be sent to Professor Heather Widdows (Director of Research & Impact) at heather dot widdows at warwick dot ac dot uk

Useful Links:

Scheme overviewLink opens in a new window