Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 in UK Open
International PhD students looking for a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and policymaking can now apply for the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 in the United Kingdom. Applications are officially open, and the fellowship promises a transformative experience within the UK Parliament.
About the Fellowship
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship is jointly offered by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and Midlands Innovation. It provides two 13-week placements for PhD students undertaking or having recently completed their doctoral studies in biological sciences, health, or social sciences at selected institutions.
Fellows will be based in the UK Parliament, where they will support evidence-based policymaking. Activities may include preparing POSTnotes or POSTbriefs, contributing to committee inquiries, or organizing seminars for parliamentarians. The fellowship is designed to give early-career researchers direct exposure to parliamentary processes and a chance to engage with MPs, Peers, and select committees.
Placements will begin in April 2026, and fellows can choose to complete the program full-time over three months or part-time with a flexible arrangement.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to PhD students who are registered at a participating Midlands Innovation institution; University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, or University of Warwick. Also be undertaking or recently completed a PhD in the life sciences, health sciences, medicine, or social sciences.
“Recently completed” refers to PhD candidates whose funding ended within six months prior to the application deadline. Both funded and self-funded PhD students are eligible, though the cut-off date for self-funded students will be confirmed by their respective universities.
Please note that PhD students from other Midlands Innovation partner universities (Aston, Cranfield, Keele, and Nottingham) are not eligible.
Applicants must also pass security vetting checks (Counter Terrorist Check level) before confirmation of the fellowship.
Funding and Benefits of Midlands Fellowship 2026
The fellowship is fully funded by Midlands Innovation. Successful fellows will receive a one-off stipend of £7,922.50 to cover costs during the 13-week placement. For clinical academic PhD candidates, the scheme offers funding equivalent to a 13-week PhD stipend extension.
All payments will be made directly through the fellow’s university after security clearance has been completed.
How to Apply?
Applicants must download and read the official application pack before applying. Submissions require:
- A completed online application form.
- A two-page briefing note on a topic relevant to Parliament, written in the provided template.
- An approval form signed by the PhD Supervisor and Head of Department (or Studentship Grant Holder).
- Applications should be submitted via the House of Commons recruitment portal.
Application Dates for Midland Fellowship
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 follows a clear timeline for interested applicants. An online information session will be held on Thursday, 2 October 2025, from 14:30 to 15:30 BST to guide prospective fellows through the process. The last date to submit applications is Sunday, 19 October 2025, at 23:55 UK time, and all submissions must be completed via the official recruitment portal.
Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday, 19 November and Thursday, 20 November 2025, where shortlisted candidates will present their case. Successful applicants will begin their fellowship placement in April 2026, with the exact start date to be confirmed in consultation with POST, Midlands Innovation, and the applicant’s supervisor.
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 is an excellent chance for PhD students to immerse themselves in UK policymaking while strengthening their research communication skills. If you are a researcher at one of the eligible universities, this could be your next big step toward an impactful career.
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