The Independent Social Research Foundation is offering an Early Career Fellowship (ECF8) for 2025 (Offering funding, grants, & competitions)

The Independent Social Research Foundation through the Early Career Fellowship wishes to support independent-minded researchers to explore and present original research ideas that take new approaches and suggest new solutions to real world social problems.

Please read these details carefully before commencing an application. Applications must be submitted before 5pm (GMT) on 14th February 2025. Applicants are strongly advised to submit applications well in advance of this deadline.

When is the Application Deadline?

5:00 PM (GMT), February 14, 2025

Tell Me About the Award:

The Early Career Fellowship (ECF8) by the Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) supports innovative, interdisciplinary research that challenges existing explanatory frameworks and proposes new approaches to address real-world social problems.

Which Fields are Eligible?

Research in the social sciences and humanities, particularly projects that:

• Innovate by combining and transforming methods and theories
• Break from established paradigms
• Introduce new investigative initiatives

Type:

Fellowship for original, interdisciplinary research

Who Can Apply?

• Scholars within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered)
• Applicants holding full-time or part-time salaried positions at European institutions or working as independent scholars
• Independent scholars must identify a potential host institution

How Are Applicants Selected?

Applications are evaluated on:

• Originality and innovation of the research proposal
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Contribution to knowledge and real-world impact

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Scholars working at institutions geographically within Europe, including the UK.

Where Will the Award Be Taken?

At the applicant’s home institution or a host institution within Europe.

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How Many Awards?

Not specified

What is the Benefit of the Award?

• Up to €81,500 (or £67,500 for UK applicants) for teaching and administrative buy-out and research expenses
• Full relief from academic duties for up to one year
• Research expenses may be covered on a matched-funding basis with the host institution

How Long Will the Award Last?

Up to 12 months, beginning no later than January 2026.

How to Apply:

Application Procedure

Applicants are expected to submit their complete application electronically via the online application system in English.

Completed applications must arrive – via the online application system – no later than 5:00pm (GMT) on 14th February 2025.

A candidate may submit only one application. Applicants can expect to be informed of the result of their applications by email by the end of September 2025.

Apply Now