Promising researchers can struggle in their early careers: securing funding can be difficult when they have little post-doctoral experience and a limited publication record. More support is needed to recruit, support and retain talented researchers at this pivotal stage of their career.

In 2003, the University became one of the first institutions to establish a Fellowship programme for Early Career Researchers (ECRs). The University's Research and Knowledge Transfer Board (RKTB) has two Fellowship schemes, recruiting at least eight exceptional Fellows each year. The University nurtures its Fellows; they are encouraged to develop their independence, with a view to securing permanent academic positions at the end of their Fellowship. The RKTB priority is to double the number of ECR Fellowships and strengthen current programmes by offering longer Fellowships (up to five years) or the opportunity to undertake some research overseas.