New round of research Fellowships now open for applications
A fresh round of research fellowship opportunities has been announced, supporting future leaders in research, development, and innovation (RD&I)
The new opportunities are designed to strengthen the research and innovation culture in the NHS, increase capacity in priority areas, and improve efficiency and sustainability.
Led by the Chief Scientist Office (CSO), multiple tiered fellowship pathways target both experienced researchers to help further develop their research career, and those currently working within NHS Scotland with little or no research experience who can be supported via mentorship and training.
NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Career Researcher Fellowships are now open to interested parties, alongside the Chief Scientist Office (CSO) NHS Researcher Development Fellowship — an introductory funded scheme for NHS employees.
The NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Fellowships are split by profession and provide funded research sessions to maintain or build research capacity in primary and secondary care. All provide funding for two sessions a week of protected time to conduct and lead clinical research.
Successful candidates will be involved in carrying out clinical research; planning and protocol development; leading or hosting multi-centre trials as Chief Investigator or local Principal Investigator; grant writing; and participation in commercial research.
There are three different schemes:
This supports consultants who have evidenced research experience in continuing to develop a research component to their career during the early years of their post, considered “one of the key points where research capacity may be lost”. It is expected that “this will strengthen the research culture in the NHS and increase capacity in priority areas”.
The aim of this scheme — which invites interest from nurses, AHPs, pharmacists, biomedical/clinical scientists, public health specialists, psychologists and paramedics — is to build non-medical research capacity in the NHS, supporting clinical staff with research experience to develop their knowledge further as part of their NHS post.
This scheme aims to support General Practitioners who already have significant research experience and capability in leading their own research activity, to build a clinical academic career, in turn strengthening research culture in the priority area of Primary Care.
The closing date for applying to all three schemes is Tuesday 8 December.
Alongside these schemes, the NHS Researcher Development Fellowship invites applications from NHS employees currently working as a nurse, midwife, allied health professional, pharmacist, healthcare scientist or other non-medical role “to gain experience and develop expertise in research alongside their existing NHS duties”.
This versatile Fellowship offers three potential pathways:
- The First Steps Award which provides “a realistic introduction to research” with mentorship and support provided following participation in a study
- The Pre-Doctoral Award, aimed at those who already have some research experience, can be used to develop additional skills or “to provide the time and mentorship to create a competitive PhD Fellowship application”
- The Transition Award, encouraging those who have completed a PhD, provides support for the next steps of their research career
Closing date for applications — which can be submitted via the CSO NHS Researcher Development Fellowship Page — is Monday 11 January.
General enquiries can be directed to the CSO fellowships team.
Publication date: 23rd October 2026
