What is Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowship?
The Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowship provides up to three years of funding for outstanding early-career researchers to pursue a research project of their own instigation in the physical or biological sciences, mathematics, applied science or engineering.
Intended for scientists and engineers of exceptional promise, the Fellowship supports the transition to research independence at a critical early career stage. Fellows are expected to pursue ambitious, curiosity-driven research that contributes to a healthy and innovative national research culture.
The fellowship is funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851, an independent charitable body established to promote science, engineering and innovation. Fellows benefit from a supportive and flexible funding model and from Manchester’s vibrant interdisciplinary research environment.
A fellowship will normally be held at a UK institution approved by the Commissioners. The research must be carried out at a different institution from where the Fellow’s PhD research was undertaken, and candidates are normally expected not to remain at their current institution.
Key information
Status: Currently closed.
Next call: To be confirmed.
Eligibility: To apply, you must:
- Hold a PhD or be in the final stages of PhD study (to be completed before the award is confirmed)
- Normally have no more than three years of postdoctoral research experience at the anticipated start date (career breaks discounted)
- Propose research in the physical or biological sciences, mathematics, applied science or any branch of engineering
- Be intending to carry out the fellowship at an institution different from where your PhD was undertaken.
Engineers proposing research that addresses the primary infrastructure needs of modern society should apply instead for a Brunel Fellowship.
Candidates with more than three years of postdoctoral experience will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must provide a personal letter addressed to the Secretary explaining their case.
Funding:
- Full salary costs covered by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851
- £10,000 per annum expense allowance to support research, travel and professional development.
Duration:
- Normally up to three years, subject to annual review
- May be extended on a pro-rata basis to support part-time working, subject to prior approval.
Before you apply: Given the prestige and competitiveness of this fellowship, early engagement is strongly encouraged. Early conversations can:
- Identify potential academic sponsors
- Allow time for any internal review or support processes.
Benefits of the Exhibition of 1851 Research Fellowship
Fellows receive up to three years of funding to establish independent research programmes at a critical early stage of their career at The University of Manchester.
The fellowship supports exceptional early-career scientists and engineers to pursue self-directed, curiosity-driven research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and innovation. Fellows benefit from a supportive and flexible funding model that enables independence, mobility and career development.
Fellows join a vibrant, interdisciplinary research environment with access to world-leading facilities, expertise and tailored career support.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- Full salary support for the duration of the fellowship
- An annual £10,000 expense allowance to support research costs, travel and development
- The freedom to pursue a research programme of your own design
- Guidance from academic mentors
- A prestigious early-career award that supports progression towards research independence and leadership
- Access to Manchester’s world-leading facilities, interdisciplinary communities and international networks.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
To apply, you must:
- Hold a PhD, or be in the final stages of PhD study, with the doctorate completed before the fellowship start date
- Have no more than three years of postdoctoral research experience (discounting career breaks) at the anticipated start date
- Propose research to be carried out at a different institution from where their PhD research was undertaken
- Not normally remain at their current institution.
Applicants with more than three years of postdoctoral experience will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, which must be explained in a personal letter addressed to the Secretary and submitted with the application.
Repeat applications for the same project from previously unsuccessful applicants will not be accepted.
You must contact a department well in advance of the funder deadline to confirm support and understand any internal requirements.
Some departments and institutes operate additional internal processes or provide tailored support for fellowship applicants. These arrangements may affect how and when you apply and, in some cases, require an Expression of Interest (EOI) or internal selection before submission to the funder.
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 may be asked to discuss:
- Your proposed fellowship project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities.
Be prepared to share:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed research.
Once departmental support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission to the funder.
Applications are submitted via the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 online submission system.
A typical application includes:
- A detailed research proposal
- CV and publication record
- Supporting statements and declarations.
Please note that Manchester may request materials ahead of the funder deadline to support internal review and approvals.
After submission, applications are assessed by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851.
This typically includes:
- Eligibility and panel review
- Assessment of research quality, originality and applicant potential.
Final funding decisions are made by the Commissioners after the closing date. Successful candidates will then agree start dates with their host institution.
What our fellows say
“I held an 1851 Research Fellowship from the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 to pursue my work in understanding the physics of magnetism in two dimensions. This fellowship allowed me to begin my independent research career and offered the flexibility to drive my work in the direction I chose. Through the fellowship, I was able to forge my own collaborations, respond to new developments in the field and develop new techniques in a way that would be difficult in a conventional postdoc.”
Dr Harry Lane / 1851 Research Fellow, The University of Manchester
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because the University must prepare a host statement and complete internal quality checks, we typically require applicants to submit draft materials several weeks before the funder's official deadline. Exact timelines vary by department, so contact your potential supervisor early to confirm dates.
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
It is expected that the candidate does not apply to remain at their current institution. Research should be carried out at a different Institution from the one where the candidate’s PhD research was undertaken.
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.
Further questions? Contact us
Fellowship scheme questions
- For questions about eligibility or the fellowship scheme, contact the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 at royalcom1851@imperial.ac.uk.
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.