NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowships in Public Health Research 2026: Applications Open for UK-Based Researchers from Non-Traditional Public Health Disciplines

The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) has opened applications for its Transdisciplinary Fellowships (TDFs) in Public Health Research 2026, offering an opportunity for researchers working outside traditional public health disciplines to transition into public health research.

The fellowship is designed for researchers with strong research experience in areas such as engineering, architecture, law, public policy, arts and humanities, data science, and other relevant disciplines who want to apply their existing expertise to public health challenges.

Up to three fellowships are expected to be awarded. Successful fellows can undertake a fellowship of up to 24 months at one of the NIHR SPHR member institutions, develop their public health research expertise, complete a Public Health Master’s degree, work alongside established researchers, and prepare applications for future research funding.

Opportunity Category

Fellowship

What Is the NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowship?

The NIHR School for Public Health Research’s Transdisciplinary Fellowship is intended to broaden the public health research workforce by bringing researchers from disciplines that are not traditionally viewed as pathways into public health research.

Public health challenges are complex and frequently require expertise extending beyond medicine and conventional health sciences. Issues such as health inequalities, mental health, urban environments, climate change, children’s wellbeing, social policy, technology and inclusion can benefit from knowledge and research approaches developed in other academic and professional fields.

The TDF programme therefore provides an opportunity for researchers from relevant non-traditional disciplines to combine their existing research expertise with public health research.

The fellowships will be based at one of the NIHR SPHR member institutions and can last for up to 24 months.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Fellowship

Applicants should take note of the following key details:

• Opportunity: NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowships in Public Health Research
• Year: 2026
• Fellowship duration: Up to 24 months
• Expected number of awards: Up to three fellowships
• Host: NIHR School for Public Health Research
• Study requirement: Fellows are expected to complete a Public Health Master’s degree at their host SPHR member institution.
• Research focus: Applied public health research aligned with one of the SPHR research programmes.
• Target applicants: Researchers working outside disciplines traditionally associated with public health research.
• Application status: Applications are currently open.
• Deadline: 12:00 noon on Friday, 9 October 2026
• International eligibility: Open to UK citizens and individuals with confirmed rights to work in the UK.
• Future rounds: No further fellowship rounds are currently planned.

What Does the NIHR School for Public Health Research Do?

The NIHR School for Public Health Research (SPHR) brings together leading public health research expertise across England through a virtual research organisation.

Its broader objective is to strengthen the evidence available to support effective public health practice. The School conducts applied research designed to increase the volume and quality of evidence concerning interventions that can improve public health in cost-effective ways.

SPHR also works to support public health practitioners and policymakers in engaging with research and using evidence to inform decisions.

This makes the Transdisciplinary Fellowship particularly valuable for researchers who want to connect their existing disciplinary knowledge with real-world public health policy, practice and research.

Who Is the Fellowship Designed For?

The fellowship specifically targets people who are not currently working in traditional public health research disciplines, but whose academic or professional expertise has a meaningful connection to public health.

Examples of potentially relevant backgrounds include:

• Engineering
• Architecture
• Law
• Public policy
• Data science
• Arts and humanities
• Other relevant disciplines outside conventional public health research

The programme recognises that public health is inherently transdisciplinary. Researchers can contribute to public health from a wide range of perspectives, methodologies and professional backgrounds.

For example, a data scientist could contribute advanced analytical approaches to public health research, while an architect could investigate how built environments influence health outcomes. Similarly, a public policy researcher could examine how government policies affect health inequalities.

Research Track Record Is Important

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a strong research track record in their base discipline.

The discipline in which the applicant has established their career or research expertise must have relevance to public health.

Applicants will need to provide evidence of research outputs appropriate to their particular field. The fellowship is therefore not simply aimed at individuals interested in changing careers; candidates are expected to demonstrate that they already have meaningful research experience and evidence of impact.

Research outputs may vary depending on the applicant’s discipline. What constitutes a strong research record in engineering, for example, may differ from what is expected in arts and humanities or data science.

Applicants should therefore present their research achievements in a way that clearly demonstrates:

1. Their expertise in their existing discipline.
2. Their ability to conduct high-quality research.
3. The relevance of their work to public health.
4. The impact or potential impact of their research.
5. Their ability to contribute to transdisciplinary public health research.

Public Health Research Areas Covered by the Fellowship

The Transdisciplinary Fellowships will be aligned with the NIHR SPHR’s research programmes.

The four areas highlighted in the 2026 call are:

1. Health Inequalities

Health inequalities refer to differences in health outcomes and opportunities between different groups within society.

Research in this area can examine the social, economic, environmental, structural and policy factors that contribute to unequal health outcomes.

Researchers from non-traditional disciplines may bring valuable perspectives to understanding and addressing these inequalities.

2. Public Mental Health

Public mental health focuses on improving mental wellbeing and preventing mental health problems at population level.

The field can intersect with areas such as public policy, education, social sciences, technology, urban planning, communications, economics and community development.

3. Healthy Places, Healthy Planet

This programme considers the relationship between environments, places, planetary health and human wellbeing.

It provides significant opportunities for researchers from disciplines such as architecture, engineering, environmental studies, urban planning, data science and policy.

4. Children, Young People and Families

This research programme focuses on issues affecting children, young people and families.

Researchers from a variety of disciplines can contribute to understanding the factors that shape health and wellbeing during childhood, adolescence and family life.

What Will Successful Fellows Do?

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with established SPHR researchers to develop and shape research projects.

Rather than simply being placed into a predetermined project, fellows will have an opportunity to explore how their existing knowledge and expertise can complement ongoing research within the School.

This means the fellowship can serve as a bridge between the applicant’s original discipline and public health research.

The research project will be developed to align:

• The fellow’s existing expertise.
• Their research interests.
• Their previous research experience.
• Public health priorities.
• The research expertise of SPHR researchers.
• One or more of the School’s established research programmes.

Public Health Master’s Degree Requirement

One of the important features of this fellowship is that successful fellows are expected to complete a Public Health Master’s degree at their host SPHR member institution.

This requirement applies even to applicants who already hold a Master’s degree in another discipline.

Therefore, having an existing Master’s degree does not remove the requirement to undertake the Public Health Master’s associated with the fellowship.

The Master’s project must be aligned with the SPHR research programmes.

This component is particularly important because the fellowship is designed not only to provide research experience but also to help researchers build formal knowledge and skills in public health.

Can Applicants Who Already Have a Master’s Degree Apply?

Yes.

However, applicants who already hold a Master’s degree will still be expected to complete the relevant Public Health Master’s degree at their host member institution.

The existing Master’s degree does not substitute for the Public Health Master’s requirement.

Applicants should therefore consider whether they are prepared to undertake the additional academic component as part of the fellowship.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The fellowship is not intended for researchers who are already working in disciplines traditionally recognised as routes into public health research.

The call specifically identifies several disciplines and professions that are generally excluded.

These include:

• Medicine
• Epidemiology
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Anthropology
• Health economics
• Medical statistics
• Nursing
• Dentistry
• Physiotherapy
• Nutrition
• Other professions allied to medicine

This distinction is central to the purpose of the Transdisciplinary Fellowship.

The programme is designed to bring researchers from outside the conventional public health research pipeline into the field.

What If Your Background Is Non-Traditional but You Have Public Health Work Experience?

Applicants whose academic background is outside traditional public health disciplines but who already have some work experience in a public health-related field are advised to seek clarification before applying.

The programme does not provide an automatic yes-or-no answer for every possible combination of academic and professional experience.

If you fall into this category, you should contact the fellowship team at: sphr.training@ncl.ac.uk

Applicants are encouraged to clarify their eligibility before investing significant time in preparing an application.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is targeted at researchers who meet the following broad profile:

• They work outside traditional public health research disciplines.
• Their discipline has relevance to public health.
• They have a strong research track record in their base discipline.
• They can demonstrate relevant research outputs.
• They can demonstrate the impact of their previous research.
• They are interested in transitioning into or developing expertise in public health research.
• They are eligible to work in the UK.
• They are willing to undertake the required Public Health Master’s degree.
• They are able to develop research aligned with one of the SPHR research programmes.

Countries and Nationalities Eligible to Apply

The fellowship is not open to applicants worldwide solely on the basis of nationality.

According to the fellowship information, applications are open to:

• UK citizens
• Individuals who have confirmed right to work in the UK

Therefore, applicants from outside the UK may only be eligible if they already have the appropriate confirmed right to work in the United Kingdom.

A person living outside the UK should not assume that they are eligible simply because they can submit an online application.

Applicants who are uncertain about their immigration or right-to-work status should check the relevant UK Government guidance before applying.

Is This Fellowship Open to International Applicants?

The programme’s definition of eligibility means that it can include some international individuals, but it is not an unrestricted international fellowship.

The key requirement is that applicants must be UK citizens or have a confirmed right to work in the UK.

Consequently, an applicant from an African, Asian, European, American or other country who does not have the required UK right to work would not meet the stated eligibility requirement.

For applicants who are unsure about their status, the programme recommends checking the UK Government’s immigration and right-to-work information.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Equality, diversity and inclusion are identified as priorities for the NIHR SPHR.

The School recognises the importance of developing a diverse public health research community capable of addressing the needs of policymakers, practitioners and the wider public.

The fellowship therefore aims to ensure that applicants do not face unnecessary barriers during the application process.

Applicants who require adjustments to participate in the application process can contact the fellowship team to discuss their needs.

The relevant contact email is: sphr.training@ncl.ac.uk

Why This Fellowship Could Be Valuable for Researchers

The Transdisciplinary Fellowship offers several potential professional and academic advantages.

1. Transition Into Public Health Research

Researchers from non-traditional disciplines can use the fellowship to establish themselves within public health research.

This is particularly relevant for professionals whose existing expertise intersects with public health but who have not previously had a formal public health research career.

2. Public Health Master’s Training

The fellowship includes a Public Health Master’s degree, allowing fellows to gain formal academic training in the field.

This can help bridge the gap between their original discipline and public health.

3. Access to Established Researchers

Fellows will work with SPHR researchers and have the opportunity to develop research projects within an established public health research environment.

This can support professional networking, collaboration and research development.

4. Development of a Research Portfolio

The programme is designed to help fellows consolidate and strengthen their CVs.

Researchers can use the fellowship period to develop public health research experience and build a stronger portfolio of work.

5. Preparation for Future Funding

An important objective of the fellowship is to help successful candidates prepare funding applications for future research.

This may include applications for future opportunities such as an NIHR fellowship.

The programme can therefore function as a developmental pathway for researchers who want to establish longer-term careers in public health research.

6. Transdisciplinary Research Experience

The fellowship allows researchers to combine knowledge from their original disciplines with public health.

This can create opportunities to approach complex health challenges from perspectives that are not traditionally represented within public health research.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Potential applicants should carefully demonstrate why their existing discipline is relevant to public health.

A strong application should clearly connect the applicant’s previous research experience with the public health challenges they want to investigate.

Applicants should consider highlighting:

1. Research achievements: Clearly explain the research you have conducted and the contribution it has made.
2. Research outputs: Provide evidence of publications, projects, datasets, reports, creative outputs or other relevant outputs appropriate to your discipline.
3. Research impact: Demonstrate how your work has influenced policy, practice, communities, organisations, knowledge or other relevant areas.
4. Public health relevance: Explain how your expertise can contribute to public health research.
5. Transdisciplinary potential: Show how your discipline can complement existing public health expertise.
6. Research interests: Identify the public health problems you are interested in addressing.
7. Alignment with SPHR: Connect your interests to health inequalities, public mental health, healthy places and a healthy planet, or children, young people and families.
8. Career development: Explain how the fellowship will help you establish a longer-term career in public health research.

Visit HERE for Application Guidelines.

APPLY HERE

Deadline for Applications

The application deadline is: Friday, 9 October 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Applicants should not wait until the final hours to submit their applications. It is advisable to review the requirements early, confirm eligibility, prepare evidence of research achievements and allow sufficient time to complete the application.

How to Apply

Applications are being accepted through the NIHR SPHR fellowship application process.

Applicants should review the official fellowship advertisement, application form and FAQs before submitting their application.

Those with eligibility questions that are not answered in the published information can contact: sphr.training@ncl.ac.uk

Applicants should also verify their UK right-to-work status where applicable.

Visit HERE to learn more about the NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowships in Public Health Research 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone from engineering apply?

Potentially, yes. Engineering is specifically identified as an example of a non-traditional discipline from which applicants may be considered, provided the applicant has a strong research track record and their expertise is relevant to public health.

Can an architect apply?

Potentially, yes. Architecture is specifically mentioned in the fellowship information as an example of a relevant non-traditional field.

Can a data scientist apply?

Potentially, yes. Data science is also identified as a relevant field from which public health researchers may be drawn.

Can someone from public policy apply?

Yes, public policy is listed as an example of a relevant discipline. Applicants must still demonstrate the required research track record and public health relevance.

Can someone from medicine apply?

Generally, no. Medicine is specifically listed among the disciplines traditionally recognised as a route into public health research and is therefore outside the intended eligibility group.

Can a nurse apply?

Generally, no. Nursing is included among the disciplines identified as traditional routes into public health research.

Can someone who already has a Master’s degree apply?

Yes, but they should understand that they will still be expected to complete the Public Health Master’s associated with the fellowship.

Is the fellowship fully international?

No. The fellowship is open to UK citizens and people with confirmed right to work in the UK. It is therefore not an unrestricted opportunity for applicants from every country.

How many fellowships will be awarded?

The NIHR SPHR expects to award up to three fellowships through this call.

How long can the fellowship last?

The fellowship will be available for up to 24 months.

Will there be another application round in 2027?

The current announcement states that no further rounds are planned currently. This makes the 2026 call particularly important for eligible researchers who are interested in the programme.

Final Takeaway

The NIHR SPHR Transdisciplinary Fellowships in Public Health Research 2026 provide a distinctive pathway for experienced researchers from outside traditional public health disciplines to enter and develop within the public health research field.

With fellowships lasting up to 24 months, the opportunity combines research development, collaboration with established SPHR researchers and completion of a Public Health Master’s degree. Fellows will be able to develop projects aligned with major public health priorities, including health inequalities, public mental health, healthy places and a healthy planet, and children, young people and families.

The opportunity is particularly relevant to researchers in fields such as engineering, architecture, law, public policy, data science, arts and humanities and other disciplines whose expertise can contribute to public health.

However, applicants should pay close attention to the eligibility restrictions. The fellowship is intended for researchers outside traditional public health disciplines and is open to UK citizens and individuals with confirmed right to work in the UK. Those working in disciplines such as medicine, epidemiology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, health economics, medical statistics, nursing, dentistry and allied health professions are generally not eligible under the stated criteria.

Interested applicants should begin preparing early, carefully demonstrate their research track record and explain how their existing expertise can contribute to public health research.

Application deadline: 12:00 noon, Friday, 9 October 2026.

For global Fellowship opportunities visit OFY HERE.