The ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship (ECF8) is offered by the Independent Social Research Foundation to support early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities based at European institutions. The fellowship funds up to 12 months of research, beginning no later than January 2027, and provides up to EUR 81,500 (about GBP 67,500) to cover teaching buy-out costs and research expenses, with additional matched-funding support available for necessary research costs. It is aimed at scholars within 10 years of their PhD award (with career breaks taken into account) who hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, though independent scholars with a host institution may also apply. The fellowship backs interdisciplinary projects that pose innovative social research questions, challenge existing frameworks, and propose new approaches to societal challenges. The application deadline for the cycle is around 14 February 2026 at 5:00 PM GMT, with results announced by the end of June 2026. The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities, provided the research is hosted in Europe. Because the funding ceiling, the start-by date, and the closing time are set each cycle, confirm the current-cycle figures on the official ISRF website before you apply.
Prepare the required research materials, secure institutional support, and submit through the ISRF online system before the deadline.
The fellowship must begin no later than January 2027. Applicants should ensure their home institution is aware of and supports the proposed research, as institutional approval is part of the process.
Open to scholars of all nationalities (research hosted in Europe)
The ISRF assesses applications on the originality and interdisciplinary ambition of the research, its potential to challenge existing frameworks and address real-world social issues, the feasibility of the work plan and budget, and the strength of the referee support. Successful applicants are notified after the review and are expected to present their findings to ISRF academic representatives.
The Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF) is a charitable foundation that funds innovative, interdisciplinary research in the social sciences and humanities. It supports scholars across Europe through fellowship and grant schemes designed to challenge disciplinary boundaries and address pressing social questions.
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
Early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities within 10 years of their PhD who hold a salaried position at, or are hosted by, a European institution.
Up to EUR 81,500 (about GBP 67,500) to cover teaching buy-out and research expenses, with additional matched-funding support available.
Up to 12 months of research time, beginning no later than January 2027.
All social sciences and humanities disciplines, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to social issues.
Yes, provided they have a host institution; most applicants hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution.
No. The fellowship is open to scholars of all nationalities, as long as the research is hosted at a European institution.
Applicants must be within 10 years of their PhD award, with career breaks taken into account.
Submit your proposal and supporting documents through the ISRF online application system before the deadline.
Two recommendation letters from nominated referees are required.
The application deadline is around 14 February 2026 at 5:00 PM GMT; verify the exact date and time officially.
Results are announced by the end of June 2026 for this cycle.
On the official ISRF funding opportunities pages, which publish the binding criteria, amounts, and deadlines.