We are pleased to invite applications under the ninth round of the ESRC Professorial Fellowship Scheme. The scheme is designed to support leading social scientists working in the UK, by providing them with the freedom to pursue their own innovative and creative research agendas. Fellows will have:

• an outstanding track record of research
• be acknowledged scholarly leaders in their field at the international level.

It is expected that the Fellows will:

• seek to make a significant contribution to the development of social science
• act as a champion for the social sciences, promoting their vital role in addressing current and future issues for modern society and the economy.

The Scheme is an open call and we wish to receive excellent applications addressing research questions in all areas of the social sciences, as well as at the boundaries between the social sciences and other areas of scientific enquiry. Fellows will be granted a greater degree of independence in terms of the focus and direction of their programme of work than that usually offered under conventional funding mechanisms. However, we would particularly welcome applications which address some of the key underlying questions within our strategic priorities and which will enhance our theoretical understanding of these areas. Please note that the areas are given as guidance only and all applications will be considered on merit with only those of the highest scientific quality being recommended for funding.

Support will be provided for the Fellow through the payment of salary costs. Support may also be provided for additional research assistance costs, and the provision of support for a PhD studentship, linked to the Fellow's award. Studentships can only be held in Research Organisations that have been given ESRC accreditation as Doctoral Training Centres. Fellowships will last for a maximum of three years and Fellows can apply for up to a maximum of 60 per cent of their time. ESRC will provide 80 per cent of the full economic cost of the Fellowship. We expect to fund at least four new fellowships from this competition.

Application process

Applications must be submitted via the Research Councils Joint Electronic Submission (Je-S) System, no later than 16.00 on 6 December 2011. Please note, if your application is shortlisted, you will be required to attend an interview on 14 May 2012. It is anticipated that applicants will be notified of the outcomes of their applications by the end of July 2012. Fellowships may start from October 2012.

Further information

• Call specification (PDF, 153Kb)
• Je-S guidance notes for applicants (PDF, 253Kb)
• Frequently asked questions (PDF, 106Kb)
  

Please note, if your application is shortlisted, you will be required to attend an interview on 14 May 2012.

Contact

If you have any questions or would like further information about the scheme, email esrcproffells@esrc.ac.uk or contact:

• Kristine Doronenkova, Project Manager
  Telephone: 01793 444303
• Nicola McCrory, Co-Project Manager
  Telephone: 01793 413026