✦ AI Summary
Applications are now open for the Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship 2026, a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to undertake a short-term research visit at Imperial Colleg...
Applications are now open for the Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship 2026, a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Lower Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to undertake a short-term research visit at Imperial College London. The fellowship provides a 4–8 week high-impact research experience in 2026, focusing on innovation in AI and Open Hardware for Lab Automation.
This fellowship is designed to foster new collaborations, accelerate scientific innovation, and offer researchers a platform to develop transformative projects in a world-class research environment.
Fellowship Overview
- Duration: 4–8 weeks in 2026
- Location: Imperial College London, UK
- Focus Areas: AI, Open Hardware, Lab Automation
- Target Participants: Early-career researchers from LDCs and LMICs
- Benefits:
- Access to Imperial College London’s laboratories and research infrastructure
- Mentorship from leading academics
- Opportunity to collaborate with global researchers and accelerate innovation
Application Process
Applicants must be hosted by an Imperial College academic during their visit. The process includes:
- Identify a Host Academic
- Use the Imperial College directory to find potential supervisors
- Pre-existing collaborators are encouraged to explore hosting opportunities
- Prepare Required Documentation
- Two-page Academic CV
- Host Support Letter detailing bench-fee waiver, workspace/lab access, induction, and supervision plan
- Home Institution Support Letter confirming applicant’s status and support for the visit
- Submit Application
- Complete the online application form
- Send all supporting documents to [sign up to view] before the deadline
- Selection and Notification
- Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee at Imperial College London
- Successful candidates will be notified via email
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
- Duration of Fellowship: 4–8 weeks in 2026
Why Apply
The Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship 2026 offers researchers a unique opportunity to:
- Advance cutting-edge research in AI and lab automation
- Collaborate with world-class scientists at Imperial College London
- Gain exposure to international research practices and innovation networks
- Build skills that will accelerate your career and scientific impact
Requirements
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- Applicants for the Global Early-Career Short Research Fellowship 2026 must meet the following criteria:
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- Be within 8 years of PhD completion or 6 years of first academic appointment, excluding career breaks
- Hold a passport and permanent residency in an LDC or LMIC, as defined by the OECD ODA Recipients List (Upper Middle-Income Countries are not eligible)
- Be currently based at an institution within an LDC or LMIC
- Provide a Letter of Recommendation from their home institution
- Secure a Letter of Support from an academic host supervisor at Imperial College London, signed by the Head of Department
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