Liverpool opens five-year engineering fellowships

Five engineering researchers will have the opportunity to build independent programmes through a fellowship scheme announced by the University of Liverpool. Based in its Faculty of Science and Engineering, the Vice-Chancellor's Engineering Fellowships run for five years and aim to develop future research leaders.

Applications are welcomed across engineering, including materials and manufacturing, autonomous systems, energy, aerospace, environmental resilience and biomedical engineering. The University particularly welcomes proposals connected to UKRI priorities and the UK Modern Industrial Strategy, while encouraging ideas beyond the listed themes.

Applicants will typically have at least three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research-intensive experience, including work outside universities. Current holders of personal research fellowships may also apply. Applications close at 11:30pm on Monday 30 November 2026 and must include an application form, CV and outline research proposal. Full guidance and the application route are available through Liverpool's fellowship webpage, linked below.

Why this matters for policymakers

• Research careers: Multi-year support can give emerging engineering leaders time to establish independent programmes.
• Industrial capability: The call connects research talent with areas relevant to the UK's industrial priorities.
• Cross-sector experience: Recognising research-intensive work outside universities widens the routes into academic leadership.

Sources: University of Liverpool announcement, 29 October 2026; Fellowship details and application guidance.

Image: Nenad Stojkovic / Shixart1985, via Wikimedia Commons. Robotic engineering equipment, illustrative; not a photograph of Liverpool's fellowship programme. Resized for web CC BY 2.0.