The University of Edinburgh’s Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026 offer early-career researchers a remarkable chance to become independent scholars in the United Kingdom. At one of the top-ranked universities in the world, this fully supported program helps exceptional scholars pursue innovative, publishable research under the guidance of top specialists. The fellowship is intended to foster creativity and scholarly development, and it offers academics who want to significantly advance their fields the perfect setting.
The University of Edinburgh, which was established in 1583, is a world leader in innovation, research, and education. The university’s School of Social and Political Science (SPS), which is located in Scotland’s historic capital, cultivates a vibrant intellectual community that includes courses in sociology, politics, international relations, and social policy. The SPS provides fellows with a top-notch opportunity to further influential research and influence the direction of social and political thought through the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowships 2026.
Country: UK
Host: University of Edinburgh
Funded By: Leverhulme Trust
Study Level: PhD
Benefits: Fully Funded
Deadline: 19 February 2026
Advantages:-
paying for salaries in full for three years.
Leverhulme Trust funding for research costs and institutional contributions.
mentoring assistance from academics from the University of Edinburgh.
access to a thriving research community and top-notch facilities.
Opportunities for professional growth focused at landing long-term academic positions.
Eligible Nationalities
Open to applicants of all nationalities.
Eligibility Criteria:-
A PhD is required, or the candidate must have turned in their doctoral thesis for viva voce by February 19, 2022.
The deadline for submitting their thesis for viva was February 19, 2026.
Candidates must be within four years of the date of their successful viva.
Career breaks (maternity leave, illness, or family obligations) are exempt.
Although they must live in the UK for the duration of the fellowship, candidates of any nationality are eligible.
must be a graduate of a UK university or have a teaching post in the UK that began at least four months before to the deadline.
Previous affiliation with SPS or the institution of Edinburgh, such as: Work experience of at least three months at the institution, either present or past.
Participate in undergraduate or graduate studies.
ongoing partnership with SPS professors for research.
must exhibit a track record of successful research with at least two leading author publications in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Candidates who are employed as permanent faculty members are not eligible.
Eligibility is denied to those who have served as Principal Investigators on a postdoctoral study lasting three years.
Subjects:-
- Sociology
- Social Policy
- Politics and International Relations
- Science, Technology and Innovation Studies
- Social Anthropology
- Social Work
- Centre of African Studies
Timeline:-
The Leverhulme Trust application portal opens on January 1, 2026.
Full draft applications with budgets are due for internal assessment on January 29, 2026.
The last day to submit to the Leverhulme Trust is February 19, 2026.
May 2026: The Trust releases the final results.
How to Apply :-
Locate a Mentor:
Find a qualified mentor who is willing to assist you with your research project from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS).
Sign Up for Your Interest:
As soon as you can, send an expression of interest to the SPS Research Office at ssps.research@ed.ac.uk.
Send in the necessary paperwork.
Two-page proposal for a project
One page with references and a bibliography
Two-page academic resume
One-page statement of support for a mentor
Find a Mentor:
Look for a suitable mentor from the School of Social and Political Science (SPS) who is prepared to help you with your research project.
Register Your Interest:
Submit the required documentation.
Two-page project proposal
One page that includes a bibliography and references
A two-page academic resume
A one-page letter of recommendation for
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