The Wellbeing of Women Postdoctoral Research Fellowships (PRF) programme is designed to support early-career researchers in advancing their work in women’s reproductive and gynaecological health.

Positioned as a bridge between doctoral study and long-term funding, the fellowship helps researchers generate critical data and strengthen applications for major grants.

Overview of the Fellowship

The PRF scheme provides funding of up to £30,000 for research projects lasting up to 36 months. The funding is intended to support directly incurred research costs, enabling fellows to expand or complete key elements of their research.

Unlike many fellowships, PRF funding does not typically cover salary costs. However, an exception is made for non-medical healthcare professionals working clinically in women’s health—such as nurses, midwives, allied health professionals (AHPs), and clinical psychologists—who may request a contribution toward their salary.

All research funded under this scheme must be conducted within the United Kingdom.

Purpose and Strategic Value

The primary aim of the PRF programme is to help early-career postdoctoral researchers build a stronger evidence base for future funding applications. It is particularly suited to research-active lecturers or equivalent-level academics seeking to transition into larger, longer-term grants.

By supporting the generation of pilot data, the fellowship enhances applicants’ competitiveness for major funding opportunities while allowing them to further develop their research profile.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is open to both clinical and non-clinical researchers who meet the following requirements:

Hold an MD or PhD awarded within the last seven years
Are employed by the NHS, a higher education institution (HEI), or hold a postdoctoral fellowship (or equivalent role)
Have at least 20% of their time allocated to research

An exception to the 20% research time requirement applies to eligible non-medical healthcare professionals who request salary support.

Applicants must demonstrate a clear trajectory in research, including evidence of prior experience and well-defined future career goals.

Research Scope

The PRF programme supports a wide range of research approaches, including:

Basic science
Clinical research
Translational research
Feasibility or exploratory studies
Systematic reviews

Projects must focus on improving outcomes in women’s reproductive and gynaecological health, with benefits for women, girls, and babies.

Both new and ongoing projects are eligible, provided that a substantial portion of the research is conducted during the fellowship period and can be completed within the awarded timeframe.

Partnership Fellowship Opportunities

Applicants may also qualify for partnership fellowships aligned with specific research themes. These partnerships provide additional opportunities for researchers working in specialised areas of women’s health.

Relevant focus areas include:

Gynaecological cancer
Midwifery and maternal care
Vulval disease
Hormonal health and wellbeing

These partnership routes can enhance the visibility and impact of research within targeted clinical and academic communities.

2026 Application Timeline

The 2026 call follows a structured timeline:

Call launch: 22 April 2026
Submission deadline: 22 July 2026 at 13:00
Outcome notification: December 2026
Fellowship start date: January or February 2027

Applicants are encouraged to prepare well in advance to ensure a strong and complete submission.

Application Process

Candidates must complete the official Postdoctoral Research Fellowship application form and consult the detailed guidance documents before applying. These resources outline key requirements related to project design, eligibility, and budgeting.

For research involving non-standard animal models, additional documentation may be required.

Support and Enquiries

The Wellbeing of Women research team provides support throughout the application process. Applicants with questions can reach out via email or telephone for guidance on eligibility, documentation, or proposal development.

Final Thoughts

The Wellbeing of Women Postdoctoral Research Fellowships offer a valuable opportunity for early-career researchers to solidify their academic trajectory. By funding high-quality, focused research and enabling the generation of critical data, the programme plays a key role in advancing innovation in women’s health.

For researchers aiming to secure long-term funding and establish themselves as leaders in the field, the PRF scheme represents a strategic and impactful next step.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.