RFAs: Mildred Blaxter Postdoctoral Fellowships Award (United Kingdom)

The Mildred Blaxter Postdoctoral Fellowships, offered by the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness, support recent PhD graduates in sociology of health and illness to advance their research and career. These fellowships provide funding for one year to help recipients disseminate their thesis findings and develop new research programs. Applications are due by 30 October 2026. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness

- Opportunity Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship

- Funding: Full salary for one year, up to £1,000 for mentor costs, and up to £6,000 for research expenses

- Eligible Applicants: Recent PhD graduates in sociology of health and illness

- Eligible Locations: United Kingdom

- Deadline: 30 October 2026

- Duration: One year

About the Opportunity

The Mildred Blaxter Fellowships aim to support individuals who have recently completed a PhD in the sociology of health and illness. The fellowship facilitates the dissemination of thesis findings through publications and presentations, and encourages the development of new research related to the thesis. The Foundation welcomes proposals that engage with contemporary theories and debates, with a particular interest in issues of race and ethnicity, health inequalities, and care delivery. Funding and Benefits - Salary Support: Covers full salary for one year, excluding estate or indirect costs, at a rate consistent with postdoctoral fellows at UK Higher Education Institutions.

- Additional Funding: Up to £1,000 for mentor costs and up to £6,000 for research expenses, which may include conference presentations, travel, and training.

- London Weighting: Additional funding available for fellows based in London.

Who Is Eligible? - Applicants must have recently been awarded or soon to be awarded a PhD in sociology of health and illness by a UK university. - Eligible thesis types include traditional monograph and journal-style theses; PhD by Publication is not eligible. - Applicants should have no more than two years of post-PhD experience, with exceptions for personal circumstances. - The fellowship requires support from a host UK university, including a department head and mentor. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Dissemination of thesis findings through high-quality publications and presentations. - Development of new research projects in sociology of health and illness. - Proposals that address race, ethnicity, health inequalities, and care delivery are strongly encouraged. Why This Opportunity Matters The fellowship provides a critical platform for early-career researchers to solidify their academic foundation in the sociology of health and illness. By supporting the dissemination of research and development of new projects, the fellowship enhances the visibility and impact of emerging scholars in this field. How to Apply

- Download the Application Form: Access the application form from the Foundation’s website.

- Prepare Application Materials: Include a detailed work plan, expected outputs, and evidence of ethics approval if applicable.

- Obtain Signatures: Secure endorsements from the nominated mentor, department head, and university finance officer.

- Submit Application: Complete and submit the application form electronically via the Foundation’s application page by 30 October 2026.

Application Tips or Common Mistakes - Ensure your application clearly outlines how your work contributes to the sociology of health and illness. - Confirm that all required endorsements and signatures are included before submission. - If applying to multiple fellowships, disclose this in your application and notify the Foundation of any other successful applications. Frequently Asked Questions Who can apply for the fellowship? Individuals who have recently completed or will soon complete a PhD in sociology of health and illness from a UK university. What expenses are covered by the fellowship? The fellowship covers full salary, up to £1,000 for mentor costs, and up to £6,000 for research-related expenses. Can non-UK citizens apply? Yes, applicants do not need to be UK citizens, but they must be based at a UK university during the fellowship. What is the deadline for applications? The deadline for submitting applications is 30 October 2026. Where can I find the application form? The application form is available for download on the Foundation’s website. Next Steps Interested applicants should review the official guidelines and complete the application process as instructed. For more information, visit the Foundation for the Sociology of Health and Illness website.