Versus Arthritis Career Development Fellowships 2026

We're excited to announce that our Career Development Fellowships 2026 will open for applications on 19 February 2025.

We’re offering up to £750k to support excellent mid-career researchers in the field of arthritis and related musculoskeletal disorders for 5 years. We will invest around £3 million in the 2026 Career Development Fellowships.

What are our Career Development Fellowships?

Our enhanced Career Development Fellowships aim to attract and retain talented scientists, doctors, veterinarians, nurses and allied health professionals committed to a research career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. 

Versus Arthritis is committed to strengthening the future of arthritis research by supporting research careers and building skills within the UK arthritis research community. We aim to build the capacity and numbers of mid-career researchers, providing the opportunity to develop an independent research career and progress towards higher-level appointments. 

Who can apply? 

Applicants must be able to show: 

• A PhD (or equivalent).
• That their skills and experience match those of the transition to an independent career stage.
• How a fellowship will help them move to the next level in their career.
• A strong commitment from their host institution towards supporting their future career trajectory. 

The fellowship can include funding for additional research staff such as a PhD student, research technician or research assistant to support their research. 

The Fellowship can be held on a part-time basis. 

How can I apply? 

Our Career Development Fellowships are an important part of our Better Lives Today, Better Lives Tomorrow Research Strategy (2022-2026) and fellowship projects must demonstrate a clear relevance to the aims of Versus Arthritis. 

The fellowship application is a one-stage process: 

• Applications open 19 February 2025.
• A full application should be submitted by the deadline of Wednesday 21 May 2025.
• All applications must be submitted through our grants management system, Grant Tracker. 

Find out more about our Career Development Fellowships and the application process. 

We invested £2.75m in Career Development Fellowships last year

Find out more about our 2024 Career Development Fellows and their research into how children communicate about their pain, non-surgical approaches to carpal tunnel syndrome, new treatments for juvenile dermatomyositis, and how joint cells maintain their health.