Opportunities
Thank you for your interest. Future Food Beacon closed in July 2023 and these pages will not be further updated. We thank all those involved in making the Beacon a success. The University of Nottingham Food Systems Institute launched in Aug 2023 please visit their webpages for more information.
Get involved with the Future Food Beacon.
Help us find new ways to feed the world
Funding Opportunities
External Funding Opportunities
Opportunities for early career researchers
The Future Food Beacon is committed to mentoring and developing early career researchers to gain and grow their independent research profiles. If you are looking to apply for a fellowship related to food research (any discipline and any research problem that intersects the food system) we can help develop your ideas, provide writing support, identify potential supervisors or hosts across the University of Nottingham, and help you navigate the complexities of grant funding. We can help you develop an application to any external funder, a selection of which are listed below.
Please contact Dr Peter Noy in the first instance with a copy of your CV and a paragraph summary of your research interests.
EU fellowships
There are various opportunities provided by the EU.
Marie Sklodoweska-Curie fellowships are awarded to experienced researchers (PhD plus four years full-time research experience) of any age, nationality or discipline, including those returning from a career break.
ERC starting grants are aimed at researchers of any nationality with 2-7 years of experience since their PhD. Any discipline can apply.
ERC consolidator grants are for more experienced researchers, with 7-12 years of research since completing their PhD. Any discipline can apply.
UKRI Fellowships
EPSRC Open fellowships are targeted at experienced researchers (PhD plus four years full-time research experience) in the fields of engineering and physical sciences. A list of the research areas can be found here.
BBSRC Discovery fellowships are awarded to researchers showing potential to become future research leaders. Applicants must have defended their thesis before taking up a fellowship (but can apply while still a PhD). Research must be within the remit of BBSRC. (Call currently closed).
MRC career development awards are for those with PhDs who are looking to become independent investigators. The current round opens in August 2021.
Daphne Jackson fellowships are for researchers who have taken a career break of two or more years (for a family, health or caring reason) and are looking to return to research.
Royal Society Fellowships
University Research fellowships are for researchers with 3-8 years experience following their PhD. Applications must fall within the Royal Society remit of natural sciences. The next round opens in July 2021.
Dorothy Hodgkin fellowships are for those who have (or will have by the start of the fellowship) a need for flexible support due to personal circumstances. Applications must fall within the Royal Society remit of natural sciences. The next call opens in September 2021.
Wellcome Early-Career Awards
Researchers interested in improving human life, health and wellbeing can apply for
this scheme. Applicants must have completed their PhD by the time of submission. All disciplines are supported. The next call opens in August 2021.
Leverhulme Trust Early Career Research Fellowship
Leverhulme early career fellowships are for early stage researchers who have completed their viva by the closing date of the application. Candidates must be no more than four years post-PhD. All subject areas are eligible.
EMBO postdoctoral fellowship
EMBO fellows are supported for two years, with international mobility being a key requirement. Applicants must have gained their PhD in the two years prior to application. The specific subject areas eligible for funding can be found
here.
Royal Academy of Engineering
Research fellowships are available for PhDs awarded in the past four years, aimed at future engineering leaders. Funding is provided for five years. The next round opens in July 2021.