Independent
Research Fellowships

The NERC Independent
Research Fellowship (IRF) Scheme is designed to develop scientific leadership
among the most promising early-career environmental scientists, by giving all
fellows five years’ support, which will all
ow them sufficient time to develop
their research programmes and to gain international recognition.

As part of this
scheme, NERC will expand its fellowship networking and training activities,
working with host institutions, to support the development of future leaders in
NERC science.

The next closing
date for NERC Independent Research Fellowships is 4 October 2016.
Applicants can begin submission of their proposals on the Je-S System from 1 June 2016;
prior to this date, the call will not appear on the Je-S system.

Application
and assessment process

In order to identify
future science leaders, the assessment process will concentrate on applicants’
research potential, with track record assessed in a way that is appropriate to
career stage. Applicants will be expected to:

• demonstrate
  their research vision and philosophy and outline ways in which their
  research could be developed over the five year fellowship;
• explain
  how they will contribute to the international research area and interact
  with the leading international groups in their field;
• explain
  how they will enable the potential economic or societal benefits of their
  research to be realised.

In order to
demonstrate a commitment to the development of NERC IRFs, the Head of
Department of the host institution will be required to demonstrate:

• the
  availability of structured institutional support, including infrastructure
  and facilities, funds to support research, and access to PhD students;
• support
  for personal development of the fellow, including mentoring, appropriate
  review, and training courses.