What is the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship?
The Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship are personal, career development–focused awards for talented early-career researchers.
The fellowships are funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). They enable researchers to lead their own research programmes, establish a distinct research niche and begin building a team, taking the first major step towards becoming leading independent researchers.
The fellowships offer an optional plus component to improve the research environment and culture alongside the applicant’s research programme.
At The University of Manchester, fellows join a vibrant mathematical sciences community and benefit from a supportive research environment, academic mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Key information
Status: Applications are open on a rolling basis.
Next deadline: No closing date, applications can be submitted at any time. Internal deadlines may apply; please check with the department.
Eligibility:
- Hold a PhD with additional postdoctoral experience or equivalent
- Show early evidence of capability to be a leading and active researcher
- Show evidence of relevant skills, experience, career development and productivity across past appointments.
Funding:
- The Full Economic Cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £1,250,000. EPSRC will fund 80% of the FEC
- Up to five years of support
- Full-time or part-time options available.
Before you apply: To help you develop a competitive proposal, we encourage prospective applicants to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline. Early conversations can:
- Identify potential academic sponsors
- Ensure your research vision aligns with Manchester’s strengths.
Benefits of the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship
EPSRC Mathematical Sciences Early Independence Fellowship receive flexible support to build an independent research profile and develop leadership skills within the mathematical sciences community.
At Manchester, we support researchers at all career stages and are committed to inclusive research cultures and flexible working arrangements.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- A strong and collaborative mathematical sciences research environment
- Opportunities to develop independence and academic leadership
- Academic mentoring and support with future funding applications
- Access to training, professional development and leadership development opportunities
- For Fellows, support to deliver activities that enhance research culture and environment.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
To apply, you must:
- Hold a PhD with additional postdoctoral experience or equivalent
- Show early evidence of capability to be a leading and active researcher
- Show evidence of relevant skills, experience, career development and productivity across past appointments.
Both full-time and part-time applications are supported.
You must contact a department well in advance of the funder deadline to confirm support and discuss your proposal.
Some departments or Institutes may operate internal processes or provide tailored support for fellowship applicants.
Contact:
- For advice on departmental fit and internal processes, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer.
If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance. - For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.
As part of this initial engagement, you will be asked to discuss:
- Your proposed fellowship project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities
- Whether you are applying for the Fellowship.
You may be asked to provide:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed research and leadership plans.
Early engagement helps to confirm departmental fit, identify appropriate sponsors and allow time for any required internal review.
Once departmental support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission.
Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Funding Service (email submissions cannot be accepted).
A typical application includes:
- A detailed research proposal
- Justification of resources
- CV and track record
- Host statement from The University of Manchester
- For Fellowships, plans to enhance the research environment and culture.
Please note that Manchester’s internal review process may require materials several weeks before submission.
After submission, your application will be assessed by the EPSRC.
This typically includes:
- External peer review
- Panel assessment.
Final funding decisions are made by the funder. Successful candidates will then agree start dates and arrangements with their host department.
Frequently asked questions
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
Prospective applicants receive support identifying an academic sponsor, refining their research proposal and navigating internal review. You’ll also have access to guidance on developing a competitive fellowship application, feedback from senior academics, and information about facilities and research groups you can incorporate into your proposal.
Eligibility criteria vary between funding schemes. Most require a strong academic track record commensurate to your career stage and circumstances. Check the scheme's criteria.
Further questions? Get in touch
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility, funding rules or EPSRC processes, please contact the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences team.
Manchester-specific queries
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Departmental fit and internal processes
- For advice on departmental fit and internal requirements, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer. If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance.
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Application development and other Faculty queries
- For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.