BBSRC UK Fellowships 2025

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Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) UK Fellowships 2025

Are you an early-career researcher or research technical professional looking to advance your career in biotechnology and biological sciences? The 2025 BBSRC Fellowships scheme, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) in the UK, is now open for applications.

With a total fund of £9 million, this prestigious fellowship provides financial support for three years, covering 80% of the full economic cost of your research. Whether you hold a PhD or are nearing completion, or if you have relevant research experience, this opportunity is designed to help you transition into an independent research leader.

Application Timeline:

Opening Date: 4 February 2025
Closing Date: 7 May 2025 (4:00 PM UK Time)

What is the BBSRC Fellowships Scheme?

The BBSRC Fellowships scheme is a flagship initiative supporting early-career researchers and technical professionals in developing leadership skills and conducting independent research. This fellowship is open to individuals demonstrating a strong trajectory toward becoming future research leaders in fields such as:

Plant Biology
Microbiology
Animal and Human Sciences
Biotechnology

Fellowships can be held at a UK university or another eligible research institution.

Degree Level

The BBSRC UK Fellowships 2025 is available for Fellowship-level programs at UK Universities.

Available Subjects

This fellowship covers the following subjects:

Biotechnology
Biomedical Sciences

Benefits of the BBSRC Fellowship

1. Financial Support

Covers 80% of the full economic cost of research.
No upper limit on the grant value.
Includes funding for salary, travel, training, research consumables, and visa costs (if required).

2. Career Development

Helps transition into independent research leadership.
Offers leadership training, mentorship, and professional development.

3. Flexible Options

Fellowships can be held on a full-time or part-time basis (minimum 0.5 FTE).
Enables balancing personal commitments with a research career.

4. Global Talent Visa Eligibility

International applicants can apply for the Global Talent Visa under the ‘exceptional promise’ category.
Facilitates relocation and contribution to the UK’s research ecosystem.

Eligible Nationalities

All nationalities are welcome.
The fellowship must be hosted in the UK.
If you are currently completing a PhD, you must pass your viva by 30 November 2025 to be eligible.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the 2025 BBSRC Fellowships, applicants must:

Be an early-career researcher or research technical professional with relevant experience.
Demonstrate a strong upward trajectory toward independent research leadership.
Be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding.
Not hold or have held a lecturer-level position or any competitive fellowship granting independent researcher status.

Application Procedure

Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Funding Service by 4:00 PM UK time on 7 May 2025.

Key Sections of the Application:

Vision: Outline the impact and significance of your research.
Approach: Detail your methodology, project plan, and risk management strategies.
Career Development: Explain how the fellowship aligns with your long-term career goals.
Host Organisation Support: Highlight the resources, facilities, and mentorship provided by your host institution.

Why Apply for the BBSRC Fellowship?

The BBSRC Fellowship is not just financial support; it is a career-defining opportunity to establish yourself as a leader in biotechnology and biological sciences. Key benefits include: