Applications Open: Manchester Fellowship Programme 2026 for Research and Innovation
The University of Manchester has opened applications for its 2025–26 Open Research Fellowship Programme, offering scholars, professionals, and technical staff a rare opportunity to shape the future of academic openness. Unlike traditional fellowships that limit participation to specific departments or research outputs, this initiative stands out by welcoming applicants from across the institution and by embedding them in a growing community of open science and open scholarship advocates.
For global audiences looking for insight into how leading universities are transforming the way research is shared, the Manchester programme provides a compelling case study. It combines financial support, institutional recognition, and community-driven collaboration, all designed to place openness at the core of academic life.
What Is the Open Research Fellowship Programme?
The Open Research Fellowship Programme is a project-based initiative managed by the Office for Open Research at the University of Manchester. Its aim is not only to provide career advancement opportunities for fellows but also to contribute directly to the institution’s broader vision of open, transparent, and impactful scholarship.
The programme will run from January to July 2026 and supports up to five Fellows by covering 0.2 FTE salary costs for a period of seven months. This design ensures participants can devote structured time to advancing open research projects without sacrificing their existing roles and commitments.
Why Manchester? A Global Reputation for Innovation
The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the world’s top research universities, known for groundbreaking contributions in fields as diverse as medicine, physics, and the humanities. Its heritage includes 25 Nobel Prize winners and countless discoveries that have reshaped society.
But what sets Manchester apart today is its commitment to open science and research transparency. The Open Research Fellowship Programme reflects this ethos, encouraging scholars to think beyond traditional boundaries and to prioritize collaboration, reproducibility, and accessibility in their work. For global fellowship seekers, Manchester represents not just a prestigious institution, but also a hub of forward-looking, impact-driven research culture.
Fellowship Objectives: More Than Just Funding
While financial support is an important part of this fellowship, its true value lies in the culture of openness it seeks to build. Fellows are expected to:
Contribute to the Office for Open Research’s projects.
Bring domain expertise that strengthens the University’s open scholarship framework.
Join a community of practice that fosters mutual learning.
Share best practices and insights with colleagues, thereby multiplying impact.
This means Fellows are not passive recipients of funding but active partners in reshaping academic practice at Manchester.
Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to a broad pool of applicants, but with some key restrictions:
Open to: All academic, professional, and technical services colleagues at the University of Manchester.
Grade limit: Up to and including Grade 7.
Approval required: Applicants must secure support from their Head of School or Service.
Project-based selection: Proposals will be assessed based on merit and potential impact rather than job title or years of service.
This structure ensures the fellowship is inclusive and merit-driven, encouraging innovative ideas from across the University ecosystem.
Benefits of the Fellowship
The Manchester Open Research Fellowship offers unique benefits that go beyond salary support:
Protected time: 0.2 FTE salary support over seven months ensures Fellows can dedicate real focus to their projects.
Institutional recognition: Fellowship status enhances professional standing and academic visibility.
Community engagement: Fellows join a network of like-minded scholars advocating open practices.
Skill development: Opportunities to gain experience in project design, implementation, and impact measurement.
Career advancement: For early and mid-career researchers, the fellowship signals leadership potential in an emerging area of academia.
Application Process: How to Apply
Applying for the fellowship involves more than submitting a CV—it requires a project proposal that demonstrates commitment to open research principles.
Steps in the Application Process:
Develop a Project Idea – Align it with open research practices and Manchester’s strategic vision.
Secure Head of School/Service Approval – Demonstrates institutional backing.
Submit Application – Applications must be submitted before Friday, 24 October 2025.
Review and Selection – Fellows will be chosen based on merit and the potential impact of their project.
Fellowship Term – Successful Fellows begin their projects in January 2026.
Timeline
Application Deadline: 24 October 2025
Announcement of Fellows: Late 2025
Fellowship Duration: January – July 2026
Building a Culture of Open Research
The Fellowship is not an isolated programme. It is part of the University’s broader Open Research strategy, which aims to:
Promote transparency in data and methods.
Encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Improve public accessibility to research outcomes.
Ensure long-term reproducibility of research results.
In this way, Fellows are helping shape Manchester’s role in the global movement for open scholarship.
Impact Beyond Manchester
While the programme is officially limited to staff within the University, its influence extends further. By embedding open practices into everyday research, Manchester contributes to the global conversation around transparency and accessibility. Fellows, in turn, act as ambassadors for this mission, ensuring that the benefits of their projects are felt far beyond campus.
For global researchers, this fellowship demonstrates how institutional support can accelerate change. For policymakers, it is an example of how relatively modest funding (0.2 FTE support) can yield profound cultural impact.
Comparing Manchester with Other Global Fellowships
International fellowship seekers often evaluate opportunities based on scope, funding, and prestige. Compared with other research fellowships, Manchester’s programme stands out in three ways:
Inclusivity – Open to technical and professional staff, not just academics.
Focus on openness – Prioritizes principles that resonate with current global research challenges.
Institutional integration – Fellows become part of a larger strategy, not just individual projects.
This combination makes it particularly attractive for those who see openness as the future of research.
Past Fellowships: Lessons Learned
While detailed case studies of past cohorts are not always published, Manchester’s Office for Open Research has consistently emphasized the importance of sharing lessons learned. Previous fellows have worked on initiatives ranging from open data platforms to training workshops on reproducibility, each contributing to a stronger culture of academic transparency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can apply for the Manchester Open Research Fellowship?
Any University of Manchester staff member (academic, professional, or technical) up to Grade 7, with Head of School/Service approval.
Q2. Is this fellowship open to international scholars?
No, only staff currently employed at the University of Manchester can apply. However, the fellowship’s lessons are globally relevant.
Q3. What funding support is available?
The fellowship covers 0.2 FTE of salary costs for up to seven months (January–July 2026).
Q4. What is the main focus of the fellowship?
The fellowship supports projects that promote open research practices and contribute to Manchester’s Office for Open Research.
Q5. When is the deadline to apply?
Applications close on Friday, 24 October 2025.
Conclusion: A Fellowship Shaping the Future of Research
The University of Manchester Open Research Fellowship Programme 2025–26 is more than just another academic funding scheme—it is a call to action. By supporting innovative projects, fostering collaboration, and embedding openness into the fabric of research, Manchester is helping shape a future where knowledge is more transparent, reproducible, and accessible.
For fellowship seekers worldwide, the Manchester model offers valuable insight into how universities can rethink the way research is conducted. For University of Manchester staff, it represents a concrete opportunity to gain recognition, funding, and influence, while advancing projects that will have lasting impact.
Official Link: For further details, please visit the official link of the scholarship-providing university.
