Support for our fellows

About the project

Our commitment to research excellence, world-class facilities, alongside a cultural background of social impact and equity make Manchester an ideal place for your fellowship.

Here’s what our current researchers had to say about their experiences and the impact Manchester has had on their careers:

Dr Holly Smith

Research Associate, Work and Equalities Institute

"The Research Office were exceptionally supportive at the draft stage, such as providing previous (anonymised) applications, and reading and commenting on various drafts." "As a disabled member of staff, being able to attend hybrid events and online seminars was very useful to me throughout the application process." "The University offers a great variety of training that fellows can take advantage of, not just academically. For example, I attended a training programme with professional journalists from The Conversation – an independent source of news analysis and informed comment written by academic experts, which has led to my having two articles published there."

Dr Natalie Farrell

Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Fellow, Earth and Environmental Sciences (academic and research)

“I’ve connected with other early-career researchers across the Faculty, particularly many women – both peers and those in leadership roles in my Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (DEES). While I recognise that their paths have often been challenging and hard-won, it’s inspiring to work with women in DEES who have successfully navigated balancing academic and family life (often also working part-time), and have managed to carve their own paths to an established academic career.”

What has been the best parts of your fellowship so far?

“Working in a world-leading rock deformation laboratory has been a true career highlight. With over 50 years of history, The University of Manchester’s Rock Deformation Lab has been central to pioneering apparatus design in the field of rock mechanics, and I've had the opportunity to run experiments using bespoke equipment originally developed for and used in some seminal studies.”

What is one piece of advice you would give to future fellows?

“Write a project proposal that you’re genuinely excited about. Your enthusiasm will inspire both the panel and your future research team. Engage with people who could benefit from your research – whether it’s industry, schools or communities. These conversations will help you to shape a proposal rooted in real-world impact and also enable you to frame your research in a way that’s compelling and conveys the transformative impact of your project.”

Training and development

Progress your career journey through dedicated training, supporting you to build a peer-network through courses developed specifically for fellows.

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Research areas