The Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship at Imperial College London, offered through the Imperial Global Development Lab, is a competitive fully funded short-term research fellowship designed to support early career researchers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). This fellowship enables selected researchers to undertake a 4–8 week in-person research visit at Imperial College London in 2026, with a strong focus on AI in Science and Open Hardware for Lab Automation.
The Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship is aimed at fostering high-impact international collaboration, accelerating innovation, and rethinking how science is conducted globally. By bringing researchers from LDCs and LMICs into one of the world’s leading research institutions, the fellowship seeks to strengthen global research capacity while promoting equitable access to advanced scientific tools and methodologies.
Background and Overview of the Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship
The fellowship is hosted by the Imperial Global Development Lab, an initiative of Imperial College London dedicated to addressing global challenges through research partnerships, innovation, and capacity building. This specific fellowship focuses on two emerging and transformative research areas: Artificial Intelligence in Science and Open Hardware for Laboratory Automation.
Selected fellows will join Imperial academic hosts for a short but intensive research visit, working within interdisciplinary teams and contributing to innovative scientific approaches. The programme is designed to spark new collaborations that extend beyond the fellowship period, allowing fellows to transfer knowledge, skills, and ideas back to their home institutions.
The 2025–2026 cycle of the Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship will support up to five researchers, and applications are open until Tuesday, 31 March 2026 (23:59).
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply
The Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship has clearly defined eligibility requirements to ensure the programme supports its intended audience.
Eligible Applicants Must:
- Be an early career researcher within:
- 8 years of completing a PhD, or
- 6 years of first academic appointment, excluding career breaks.
- Be a passport holder and permanent resident of a Least Developed Country (LDC) or Lower Middle-Income Country (LMIC), as defined by the OECD ODA Recipients List.
- Be currently based at an institution in an LDC or LMIC.
- Have a Letter of Support from an Imperial College London academic host, signed by the Head of Department.
- Provide a Letter of Recommendation from their home institution.
Applicants Are NOT Eligible If They:
- Hold dual British citizenship.
- Are permanent residents of countries not classified as LDCs or LMICs.
- Are currently based at a non-LDC/LMIC institution.
- Are current PhD students.
This fellowship is strictly for individuals, and dependents are not supported.
Research Focus Areas and Fellowship Structure
Applicants must propose a research visit aligned with one of the two approved research areas:
1. AI in Science
Fellows in this stream will explore how artificial intelligence can transform scientific practice, including:
- Automating discovery processes
- Accelerating data analysis
- Generating new scientific insights and principles
2. Open Hardware for Lab Automation
This stream focuses on accessible and scalable approaches to laboratory automation, including:
- Open-source laboratory hardware
- Computational infrastructure for automation
- Low-throughput automated experimentation
- Self-driving and closed-loop laboratories
Each fellow will be hosted by an Imperial academic supervisor and will integrate into Imperial’s interdisciplinary research environment. A short report is required at the end of the fellowship.
Funding and Financial Support
The Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship is fully funded. The programme provides:
- £950 per week subsistence grant (to cover accommodation, food, and daily expenses)
- Return economy-class flights
- Standard visitor visa costs
- Contribution toward travel and medical insurance
Eligible Costs:
- Subsistence
- Consumables (capped at 10%)
- Small equipment
- Visa/ETA fees
- Travel and health insurance
Ineligible Costs:
- Salary
- Bench fees
- Overheads
Application Process: How to Apply
Applicants must first identify and secure an Imperial College London academic host. Hosts must be permanent members of Imperial staff and provide a signed support letter.
Required Application Documents:
- Completed online application form
- 2-page academic CV
- Host support letter (bench-fee waiver, workspace access, supervision plan)
- Home institution support letter confirming employment status and support for the visit
All supporting documents must be sent to globaldevelopment@imperial.ac.uk before the deadline.
Applications are reviewed by a selection committee at Imperial College London, and successful applicants will be notified by email.
Important Dates and Deadlines
- Applications Open: Now open
- Application Deadline: Tuesday, 31 March 2026 (23:59)
- Fellowship Duration: 4–8 weeks
- Fellowship Period: 2026
Conclusion: Why Apply for the Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship
The Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship at Imperial College London offers early career researchers from LDCs and LMICs a rare opportunity to engage in high-impact, fully funded research within a globally recognized institution. By focusing on AI in Science and Open Hardware for Lab Automation, the fellowship supports innovation, collaboration, and the development of globally relevant scientific solutions.
For researchers seeking to expand their international networks, gain exposure to cutting-edge research environments, and strengthen research capacity in their home countries, this fellowship represents a valuable and transformative opportunity.
Application Portal (Official Link)
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