The Faculty of History at the University of Cambridge is currently accepting applications for the Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026, one of the most distinguished postdoctoral funding opportunities in the United Kingdom. Supporting exceptional early-career scholars who are prepared to produce innovative research and become part of a top-tier academic community is the goal of this high-stakes, career-launching fellowship.
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When is the Application Deadline:
October 13, 2025 (12:00 PM/noon UK time)
(This is the internal deadline for Isaac Newton Trust match funding through the Faculty of History, University of Cambridge)
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🎓 Tell Me About The Award:
The Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship is a prestigious postdoctoral opportunity for early-career researchers in History to undertake a three-year research fellowship at the University of Cambridge. It is co-funded by the Isaac Newton Trust and Leverhulme Trust, and is designed to support scholars at a critical stage in launching an academic career. The scheme is extremely competitive and involves a two-stage selection process: internal shortlisting and then application to the national Leverhulme competition in February 2026.
📚 Which Fields are Eligible?
All areas within the discipline of History
🏷️ Type:
🧾 Postdoctoral Fellowship / Early Career Research Grant
👥 Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
✅ Not have held a full-time permanent academic post in a UK university (this includes stipendiary Junior Research Fellowships)
✅ Have submitted their PhD between February 19, 2022 and February 19, 2026 (with allowances for career breaks)
✅ Either:
- Hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or
- Have held a UK academic post for at least 4 months by October 20, 2024
📌 How Are Applicants Selected?
- Initial selection at the Faculty of History, Cambridge for Isaac Newton Trust match funding
- Shortlisted candidates then proceed to the national Leverhulme Trust competition in February 2026
- Selection is based on research potential, originality of project, and academic merit
🌍 Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌐 Open to all nationalities, but candidates must demonstrate a UK academic connection as described above.
📍 Where Will the Award Be Taken?
🏛️ University of Cambridge, Faculty of History, United Kingdom
🏅 How Many Awards?
The number of internal nominations is very limited.
Only a small number of shortlisted candidates will proceed to the national competition.
🎁 What is the Benefit of the Award?
✔️ 50% of salary funded for 3 years (via Isaac Newton Trust)
✔️ Salary shortfall is underwritten by the Faculty
✔️ Mentorship and academic support
✔️ Competitive advantage in securing permanent roles post-fellowship
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
🕓 3 years (standard Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship duration)
📝 How to Apply:
- Secure an academic host in the Faculty of History at Cambridge.
Contact Prof. David Maxwell at djm223@cam.ac.uk if unsure who to approach. - Prepare and submit the following by email to: researchgrants@hist.cam.ac.uk
- Completed cover sheet
- A single PDF or Word file with:
- CV (max 2 pages)
- List of publications (1 page)
- Current research summary (250 words)
- Detailed research proposal (max 2 pages)
- Two reference letters (one from outside Cambridge) sent directly by referees
- Deadline for all materials: October 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM (UK time)
🔗 Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
https://www.hist.cam.ac.uk/leverhulme-early-career-fellowship-2026
