ESRC LISS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026: Applications Open – Benefits, Eligibility & Timeline
Applications are now open for the ESRC LISS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 in the UK. This program, run by the London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership, offers five funded spots for early-career researchers in social sciences. You can work up to nine months full-time or 18 months part-time at top schools like King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, and Imperial College London. The fellowship covers your salary and gives up to £7,500 for extra costs. This article covers the benefits, eligibility rules, how to apply, and the full timeline.
The ESRC LISS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 helps early-career researchers build on their PhD work. It does not fund new projects. Instead, it focuses on turning PhD results into publications. Fellows also get training, mentorship, and ways to connect with others. You will join an interdisciplinary setting at host universities. Social sciences must make up at least 50% of your activities. This setup lets you grow your career in a supportive space.
The funding supports your time and growth. Full-time fellowships last up to nine months. Part-time ones go up to 18 months. All must end by 30 June 2027. Your salary is fully covered. You also get up to £7,500 for key extras, such as:
- Mentorship support
- Travel and conference attendance
- Training and skills development
- Public engagement and impact activities
These benefits help you advance without money worries.
Each fellow pairs with a mentor at the host school. The mentor must know your research area well. They should not be your PhD supervisor. Start reaching out to possible mentors now. The program also backs work with non-academic groups. This adds real-world impact to your research.
You can apply with single-discipline or interdisciplinary ideas. Social sciences need to cover at least 50% of the work. Your plans must fit one of the LISS DTP’s main research areas. This keeps the focus on social science strengths.
Here are the main eligibility rules:
- PhD from a UK research organization
- PhD awarded or viva passed (with minor changes allowed) by 1 June 2026, and fully awarded by 1 October 2026
- No more than 15 months of active postdoctoral experience by 1 June 2026
- Apply to only one Doctoral Training Partnership
- If you need a UK work visa, check your eligibility
Prior ESRC funding is not needed.
The application has two stages. Follow these steps:
-
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Review the ESRC rules and eligibility. Contact a potential mentor. Submit the online EOI form. Also fill out the online Diversity Monitoring Form. Deadline is 13 April 2026 at 10:00 AM. Only shortlisted people move on. -
Stage 2: Full Proposal
If chosen, submit your full proposal using this form. Deadline is 1 June 2026 at 23:59.
Check this timeline to stay on track:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| EOI Deadline | 13 April 2026 |
| EOI Results | End of April 2026 |
| Full Proposal Deadline | 1 June 2026 |
| Interviews | Early July 2026 |
| Final Decisions | July 2026 |
| ESRC Submission | 23 July 2026 |
| Start Date | 1 October 2026 |
| End Date | 30 June 2027 |
Join the applicant briefing session for tips on applying. It happens soon.
Applicant Briefing Session
Date: 27 March 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Get more details here
This event clarifies the process. Plan to attend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ESRC LISS Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
It funds early-career researchers to turn PhD work into publications, with up to nine months full-time or 18 months part-time at top UK universities.
Who can apply for this fellowship?
You need a PhD from a UK organization awarded by 1 October 2026, with no more than 15 months postdoc experience by 1 June 2026.
What does the funding cover?
It covers your full salary and up to £7,500 for extras like mentorship, travel, training, and public engagement activities.
What are the application deadlines?
Submit the Expression of Interest by 13 April 2026, and if shortlisted, the full proposal by 1 June 2026.