Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council: David Phillips Fellowships

David Phillips Fellowships provide support to outstanding scientists who are in the initial stages of their career and who are seeking to establish their first independent research group. The fellowships invest in scientists who have shown high potential, can demonstrate that they are on an upward trajectory with clear evidence of strong scientific outputs and leadership qualities, and are aiming to establish their own fully independent programme of research. Through the fellowships, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council will be seeking to identify scientists who can be expected to be among the future leaders of their generation.

Applications open

4 Feb 2020

Applications closed

9 May 2020

Application type

Application required
How to apply

Benefit type

General allowance
Full benefit details

Citizenship requirements

Australian / domestic student
International student

Total value

up to $2,300,000

Applicable study areas

Agriculture, animal studies, food science and veterinary science; Medicine, dentistry, health and welfare; Sciences and mathematics

Number of scholarships awarded

Approximately 5

  • "My primary research focuses on the use of brain stimulation (TMS, TES) and brain imaging techniques (fMRI, MRS, MEG) to understand cognitive control, attention and awareness in the human brain. In addition to my core research programme in cognitive neuroscience I also pursue interests in the relationship between science and the media, the role of science in shaping evidence-based public policy, and the promotion of open research practices. The David Phillips Fellowship greatly benefitted my research as it provided support to establish a research group. The fellowship provided a foundation upon which I was able to develop my research, for example by jointly establishing collaborative projects in research teams. These recent research-led initiatives identify causes of error in the translation of science to the news and will facilitate interaction between academia and politicians in the service of evidence-based policy."
    Read Prof. Chris Chambers's story
  • Eligibility & selection criteria

    Eligibility

    To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

    • Hold a PhD, but not hold, have held or had the offer of an academic position at Lecturer level (or the equivalent in institutions other than universities).
    • It is expected that applicants will have at least three years of active postdoctoral research experience.

    Proposals can be submitted in any area of science within the remit of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). Please see the BBSRC website for further details.

    Selection criteria

    The fellowships are designed to provide career enhancement to support outstanding scientists in the initial stages of their career, and there is therefore a strong emphasis on the scientific potential of the candidates. In making these awards, the BBSRC will be seeking to identify scientists who can be expected in the future to be among the leaders of their generation of bio-scientists, and applicants should demonstrate how a BBSRC David Phillips fellowship will be of benefit to them.

  • Application process

    Applications are submitted online at the BBSRC website.

    For enquiries email postdoc.fellowships@bbsrc.ukri.org

  • When will I know the outcome?

    Fellowship award notification is scheduled for December 2019.

What are the benefits?

Up to £1 million for a personal salary and a significant research support grant to enable fellows to establish their own independent research group. The total costs requested may be up to £1.25 million.

The maximum duration of the funding is 5 years.

For complete listings of faculty-specific scholarships, please see individual faculty websites.

The information listed here is subject to change without notice. Where we have listed information about jointly run scholarships programs, please also see our partners' websites. Information describing the number and value of scholarships awarded is indicative.