UK Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026
International PhD candidates seeking a distinctive chance to connect academic research with policymaking can now submit their applications for the Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 in the UK. Applications are now open, and the fellowship offers a life-changing opportunity in the UK Parliament.
About the Fellowship
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship is collaboratively provided by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) along with Midlands Innovation. It offers two 13-week internships for PhD students currently enrolled in or who have just finished their doctoral studies in biological sciences, health, or social sciences at designated institutions.
Fellows will be located in the UK Parliament, where they will aid in evidence-based policy development. Tasks might involve creating POSTnotes or POSTbriefs, assisting with committee inquiries, or arranging seminars for parliament members. The fellowship aims to provide early-career researchers with firsthand experience of parliamentary procedures and an opportunity to interact with MPs, Peers, and select committees.
Placements are set to start in April 2026, and fellows may opt to finish the program full-time within three months or part-time with a flexible schedule.
Eligibility Requirements
The fellowship is available to PhD candidates who are enrolled at a Midlands Innovation partner institution: University of Birmingham, University of Leicester, Loughborough University, or University of Warwick. Additionally, be engaged in or have recently finished a PhD in life sciences, health sciences, medicine, or social sciences.
“Recently finished” denotes PhD candidates whose funding concluded within six months before the application deadline. PhD students, whether funded or self-funded, can participate, although the deadline for self-funded individuals will be verified by their specific universities.
Be aware that PhD students from other Midlands Innovation partner universities (Aston, Cranfield, Keele, and Nottingham) do not qualify.
Candidates must also undergo security vetting procedures (Counterterrorist Check level) before fellowship confirmation.
Financial Support and Benefits of Midlands Fellowship 2026
The fellowship receives complete funding from Midlands Innovation. Selected fellows will be awarded a one-time stipend of £7,922.50 to help with expenses throughout the 13-week placement. The program provides financial support for clinical academic PhD candidates, equivalent to an extension of their stipend for 13 weeks.
All payments are made directly via the fellow’s university once there is a finalization of security clearance.
How to Apply
Candidates need to download and review the official application pack prior to applying. Entries need:
- A filled-out online application form.
- A two-page summary document on a subject pertinent to Parliament, crafted in the given format.
- A form of approval signed by the PhD Supervisor and the Head of Department (or the holder of the Studentship Grant).
- Applications must be sent through the House of Commons recruitment portal.
Midland Fellowship Application Deadlines
The Midlands Innovation Fellowship 2026 provides PhD students with a unique chance to engage in UK policymaking and strengthen their research communication skills. An online information session will be on 2 October 2025, with applications due by 19 October 2025 via the official portal.
Interviews are set for 19–20 November 2025, and successful fellows will begin their placements in April 2026, with start dates agreed upon with POST, Midlands Innovation, and supervisors. This fellowship is an excellent step toward a meaningful research and policy career.
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