MQ Schizophrenia Research Fellowship — Fellowship

The MQ Schizophrenia Research Fellowship is a research grant awarded by MQ Mental Health Research, a UK-based mental health science charity, through funding from the Nikki Fa Fond hosted by Fondation Philanthropia. It backs a postdoctoral researcher to lead an independent project that demonstrates a clear route to improving outcomes for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Fellows remain based at their own host university, hospital, or research institution anywhere in the world, and the award runs for three years from 1 May 2027. Priority is given to work on cognitive and negative symptoms, early intervention, and treatment-resistant cases.

Benefits & funding

Grant of up to £250,000 over three years.
Supports an independent, fellow-led research programme in schizophrenia.
The host institution is required to cover all indirect and overhead costs.

Eligibility

A minimum of 3 and no more than 7 years of postdoctoral research experience.
Must be based at a university, hospital, or research institution.
Able to commit 50–100% of working time to the fellowship over three years.
Cannot hold other substantial research funding (over £100,000 per year).
Open to applicants globally.

Can you apply?

Here's who can apply

Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.

Education required
PhD
Experience required
3–7 yrs

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Application process

1
Submit an Expression of Interest online via Flexi-Grant® within the 12 June – 12 August 2026 window.
2
Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application by 8 December 2026, covering personal details, project overview, patient involvement, and publication record.
3
Final funding decisions are made in April 2027.

Program timeline

Call opens; Expression of Interest submissions begin.
12 June 2026
Expression of Interest deadline.
12 August 2026
Full application deadline.
8 December 2026
Final decision.
April 2027
Fellowship begins.
1 May 2027