Take your academic journey to the next level with the 2026 Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship at the prestigious University of Cambridge. In partnership with the Isaac Newton Trust, this fully funded fellowship offers early-career historians a rare opportunity to launch independent research within one of the world’s leading academic environments.

About the University of Cambridge & Funding Partners

The University of Cambridge is internationally renowned for its academic rigor and research excellence. The Faculty of History invites applications across all historical fields, providing an intellectually vibrant environment for fellows.

The competition receives match funding from the Isaac Newton Trust after internal shortlisting by the Faculty. Selected applicants are then nominated for the national Leverhulme Trust competition.

Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026 Overview

Detail	Information
Fellowship Name	Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026
Host Institution	University of Cambridge – Faculty of History
Match Funding Partner	Isaac Newton Trust (INT)
Duration	36 months (full-time; not renewable)
Start Date	Between 1 September 2026 and 1 May 2027
Application Deadline (Internal)	12 pm (noon), Thursday 13 October 2025
Funding Structure	Year 1 fully funded by Leverhulme; Years 2–3 50% funded by Leverhulme, with the rest matched by University/INT (up to £28,000/year)
Additional Research Grant	Up to £6,000/year, carried forward if unused

Eligibility Criteria

You may apply if you:

• Have submitted your PhD no earlier than 19 February 2022 and no later than 19 February 2026, with allowances for career breaks
• Have not held a full-time permanent academic post (including stipendiary Junior Research Fellowships), or concurrently hold such a post
• Either hold a degree from a UK higher education institution, or have held an eligible academic position in the UK for at least 4 months before 20 October 2024

Benefits & Structure

• Fellowship term: 3 years
• Year 1 fully funded by Leverhulme Trust
• In Years 2–3, salary expenses are co-funded by the University of Cambridge and the Isaac Newton Trust, with support of up to £28,000 annually.
• Up to £6,000/year for research expenses, transferable between years
• Prestigious position with access to Cambridge’s library and mentorship

Application Procedure

1. Secure a suitable academic host in the Faculty of History (e.g., contact Prof. David Maxwell for guidance).
2. All required documents must be submitted by the internal deadline of 13 October 2025 (12:00 noon) to [email protected].• Cover sheet
   • CV (2 pages)
   • Publications list (1 page)
   • Statement of current research (250 words)
   • Research proposal (2 pages)
   • Two reference letters (one external to Cambridge)
3. Internal selection leads to nominations to Isaac Newton Trust by 13 November 2025.
4. INT communicates matched funding by 8 December 2025.
5. National Leverhulme application submitted by 19 February 2026, 4 pm via the University’s Research Operations Office.
6. National outcomes announced in mid-May 2026.

Comparison with Similar Opportunities 

Fellowship Program	Host Institution	Duration	Funding Structure	Internal Nomination Required
Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026	Univ. of Cambridge (History)	3 years	Full Year 1; Years 2–3 50% match + £6k research grant
Trinity Junior Research Fellowship	University of Cambridge (various faculties)	Typically 3 years	Fully funded by college	Varies by college
Isaac Newton Trust Junior Research Fellowship	University of Cambridge	Typically 3 years	Fully funded (up to certain limits)	Internal selection required

FAQs About Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship 2026

1. Can I apply if my PhD was submitted before February 2022?
   No—eligibility is limited to PhDs submitted between 19 February 2022 and 19 February 2026, unless a career break occurred.
2. Is previous permanent academic post allowed?
   No—candidates must not currently hold or have held full-time permanent UK academic posts.
3. Who provides salary funding in Years 2 and 3?
   The Leverhulme Trust funds 50%, and the host institution—supported by INT—covers the rest (up to £28,000/year).
4. What are the research expense allowances?
   Up to £6,000/year, unused funds carry forward to later years.
5. Is mentorship provided?
   Yes—with access to Cambridge’s academic community and resources.
6. How competitive is the internal nomination?
   Very—it’s a two-stage process with limited Cambridge slots for INT match funding.
7. When must we submit national applications?
   By 19 February 2026 (4 pm), following INT approval.
8. Are applicants from all countries eligible?
   Yes, as long as they meet the UK academic connection requirements.
9. Can a Cambridge faculty member be my referee?
   Yes—as long as one of the two referees is external to Cambridge.
10. When will fellows be notified of selection?
    Expect the National outcome announcements in mid-May 2026.

Don’t wait anymore! Launch your research career at Cambridge.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Leverhulme Early Career Fellowship in History, offering three years of funded research support beginning in October 2026. APPLY NOW.