How to apply for the NZUK Link Foundation Fellowship

See eligibility criteria, application and assessment guidelines for the NZUK Link Foundation Fellowship.

Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must:

be working in one of the fields of medical research, including public health research.
be an early-career researcher. This will include current PhD candidates, and researchers within 10 years of completion of a PhD.
be currently employed in health research in Aotearoa New Zealand, either as a Research Fellow, or by a university, wānanga, or Māori health organisation
be of Māori descent.

To apply, you should provide the following documentation:

A one-page letter outlining your motivation for applying for the Fellowship and a brief summary of your plans
A copy of your degree certificate, or a copy of your academic transcript for PhD candidates
A one-page letter from your current employer (or funder) supporting your application, and confirming that they will continue to fund your salary during the term of the Fellowship.
A one-page letter from your potential host institution in the United Kingdom, confirming that they are willing to host you for the Fellowship.
A two-page curriculum vitae
Please also fill out the linked form (this information will be used for statistical purposes only, and will not be seen by panelists or referees.)

Each NZUK Link Fellowship is worth GBP6,000. The funding can be used for travel expenses, living expenses in the United Kingdom, and other research-related expenses.
The NZUK Link Fellowship is not intended to produce a particular research output; however, it might result in the production of at least one jointly-authored peer-reviewed journal paper, and the development of an ongoing collaboration.
Nominations will be received for candidates whose highest research qualification, normally (but not necessarily) a PhD, was within 10 years preceding 30 June in the year of the award, from the date of meeting the requirements for the degree. The eligibility period may be extended to allow career interruptions due to:
- Extended sick leave
- Part-time employment as a result of childcare for dependent children or other care-giving responsibilities. Note: If the applicant is the primary caregiver of a dependent child, the period of eligibility may be extended by 2 years per child inclusive of any periods of parental leave.

Eligibility extensions must be approved by the Academy Executive Officer.

Please email your application to: awards@royalsociety.org.nz

The deadline for applications is 19 January 2026.

Applications will be assessed by a panel from the Academy of the Royal Society Te Apārangi. The successful applicant will demonstrate the greatest: