MQ Schizophrenia Research Fellowship 2026 for Global Researchers (Grant)
Application Deadline: August 12, 2026 (Expression of Interest)
Schizophrenia remains one of the most complex and underfunded areas of mental health research, despite affecting millions of people worldwide. To help address this challenge, MQ Mental Health Research is inviting applications for the MQ Schizophrenia Research Fellowship 2026, a funding opportunity that supports outstanding early-career researchers working to improve the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of schizophrenia.
Funded by Nikki Fa Fond hosted by Fondation Philanthropia, the fellowship aims to empower promising scientists to pursue innovative research with the potential to improve outcomes for individuals living with schizophrenia. Successful fellows will receive substantial funding and the opportunity to advance their independent research careers while contributing to one of the most pressing areas of global mental health.
The fellowship is open to researchers from around the world and supports focused, high-quality projects that can be completed within three years. MQ is particularly interested in research that addresses unmet clinical needs, improves patients’ quality of life, strengthens early detection and prevention strategies, and advances understanding of the biological, psychological, and social factors associated with schizophrenia.
Projects should be scientifically rigorous, patient-centered, and demonstrate a clear pathway toward real-world impact. Researchers are encouraged to involve people with lived experience throughout the research process, from study design to dissemination of findings.
Importantly, this fellowship is intended to support ambitious yet realistic projects that can generate meaningful results within the award period and serve as a foundation for larger future research initiatives.
Eligibility / Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be based at a university, hospital, or recognized research institution.
- Have between 3 and 7 years of postdoctoral research experience.
- Demonstrate a strong research track record and a commitment to developing an independent research career.
- Be able to dedicate between 50{b695abefe1407bbfe0e83fdcd518b81e6ee656c8a64b9e779f8594d8f08590f4} and 100{b695abefe1407bbfe0e83fdcd518b81e6ee656c8a64b9e779f8594d8f08590f4} of their professional time to the fellowship over three years.
- Be available to begin the fellowship on May 1, 2027.
- Not hold other substantial research funding exceeding £100,000 per year.
- Submit a project that is feasible within the three-year fellowship period.
MQ welcomes applications from eligible researchers worldwide.
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Benefits
The MQ Fellows Award provides funding of up to £250,000 over three years.
The grant can support:
- Applicant salary and staff costs.
- Research equipment and consumables.
- Publication and dissemination expenses.
- Animal research costs, where applicable.
- Travel and professional training expenses.
Beyond financial support, fellows gain recognition from an internationally respected mental health research funder and access to a global community committed to advancing mental health outcomes.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Flexi-Grant platform.
Candidates will first submit an Expression of Interest and provide information including:
- Applicant details and personal statement.
- Project overview and scientific abstract.
- Patient and public involvement plans.
- Previous grants, awards, and publications.
Applicants will also be required to review and accept MQ’s relevant policies and grant conditions before submission.
Research proposals should demonstrate scientific excellence, clinical relevance, diversity and inclusion considerations, meaningful public involvement, and a credible pathway to impact.
Key Dates
- June 12, 2026: Call opens
- June 12 – August 12, 2026: Expression of Interest submissions
- December 8, 2026: Full application deadline
- April 2027: Final funding decisions announced
- May 1, 2027: Fellowship start date
For more details, visit MQ Schizophrenia Research Fellowship.