Senior research fellowships

Senior research fellowships is sponsored by Parkinson's UK. Supports outstanding scientists to become future leaders in Parkinson's research by establishing their own independent research group.

Our senior research fellowships | Parkinson's UK Our senior research fellowships We want to support outstanding scientists who will be future leaders in Parkinson’s research. The deadline for preproposals is 4:00 PM on Wednesday 1 July 2026; invited applicants will have until 7 October to submit a full application. Online interviews are likely to take place in the week commencing Monday 23 November 2026.

Read our information and guidance for applicants Explore our policies affecting your application Fill in the application form on our online application system Contact our Research Grants team for support . What type of project are we looking for? Our senior research fellowships are for people who want to specialise in Parkinson's research by establishing their own independent research group.

We’re keen to receive applications from researchers working across all fields of research into Parkinson's, including research on the potential links between diabetes and Parkinson’s. This can include research into Parkinson’s like disorders (such as MSA and PSP). Senior research fellowships are initially offered for up to £450,000 for 3 years.

Virtual workshop about applying for a senior research fellowship Watch back our workshop to find out more about this grant scheme, as well as the chance to hear from our reviewers and a recent successful applicant. Eligibility : Must be based at a UK university or research institute, NHS Trust, or statutory social care organisation.

Co-applicants and collaborators can be based at institutions outside the UK or at pharmaceutical or biotech companies. Applicants must be able to demonstrate: a strong track record of original and productive research in their area which shows productivity and impact across past appointments (typically at least one previous post-doctoral appointment).

the progress they have made in moving towards independence through diverse collaborations and partnerships formed independently of their sponsors and past supervisors receipt of small amounts of independent funding (such as a previous intermediate fellowship) and/or a track record of effective management of a small number of their own laboratory staff.

Researchers are not eligible to apply if they already: have been awarded a comparable fellowship that aims to support the transition to independence have established an independent research group or hold a tenured position. Inclusion: We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community, regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Fill in the application form : logon or set up an account on our online application system to access the preproposal forms. Need support? Get in touch with our Research Grants team .

Our information and guidance for applicants Download our information and guidance for applicants (PDF, 439KB) What do we expect from applicants? Find out about our patient and public involvement support and guidance Involving people with lived experience of Parkinson's All applicants are expected to work with people with lived experience of Parkinson’s throughout the research process and in the development of their application.

Find out about our patient and public involvement support and guidance Considering equity, diversity and inclusion We also expect applicants to have considered equity, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of research, as we strive for equity for everyone who lives with Parkinson’s, and the people in their lives. We particularly have guidance for researchers on ethnicity and inclusion. How are applications reviewed?

All preproposal applications are independently reviewed by three scientific members of our College of Experts . Full applications are reviewed again by our College of Experts scientific members alongside lay grant reviewers with lived experience of Parkinson’s. What is the success rate for applications?

In 2024, 7 preproposal were submitted, resulting in 4 full application invitations and 2 applications recommended for funding. In 2025, 11 preproposal were submitted, resulting in 4 full application invitations and no applications recommended for funding. Get updates on our grants Be the first to find out about funding, events, news and opportunities for Parkinson's researchers by signing up to our monthly e-newsletter Synapse.

Fellowships: 5 stories of impact Our Fellowship schemes have shaped the careers of nearly 30 promising researchers and contributed to the growing momentum towards breakthrough treatments. Read about 5 leading Parkinson’s researchers who we have supported.

Recently funded senior research fellows Parkinson’s UK has recently funded two future leaders in Parkinson’s research who are pushing forward our understanding of Parkinson’s: Dr Marta Camacho of the University of Cambridge, and Dr Shenghong He of the University of Oxford.