- The Vice-Chancellor’s Prize Fellowships are open to talented researchers
- Up to 10 places available each year to postdoctoral-level researchers
- The fellowships begin in September 2025.
Aston University has officially opened applications for a prestigious new scheme designed to recruit and nurture the global research, innovation and impact leaders of tomorrow.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Prize Fellowships are now accepting applications from talented researchers who will be selected based on excellence in their chosen field.
Up to 10 fellowships will be awarded each year to postdoctoral-level researchers working across science, engineering, social sciences and humanities, aligned with the University’s growing areas of expertise.
Aston University is home to six leading research institutes; Aston Institute of Photonic Technologies (AIPT), the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME), the Aston Institute for Forensic Linguistics (AIFL), the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI), The Sir Peter Rigby Digital Futures Institute and Aston Institute of Health & Neurodevelopment (AIHN). These institutes are at the forefront of delivering groundbreaking research to tackle local, national and global challenges.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021), 79% of Aston University’s research was rated as ‘world leading’ (4*) or ‘internationally excellent’ (3*). Notably, 74% of the impact of the University’s research was rated “very considerable” or “outstanding” for reach and significance. One such impact includes research that helped shape the Crown Prosecution Service’s strategy to eliminate racial bias in prosecution decisions, marking a significant contribution toward addressing disproportionality in the justice system.
The three-year fellowship is designed to provide a pathway to a permanent academic role at Aston. Successful fellows will undertake research, will have the opportunity to engage in teaching and earn a higher education teaching qualification.
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“The Vice-Chancellor’s Prize Fellowships represent a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing world-class, transformative research. Aligned with our ambitious 2030 strategy, this initiative will attract top talent from around the globe to undertake pioneering research projects that push boundaries and shape the future of their disciplines.
“These exceptional researchers will not only drive innovation but also establish themselves as leaders in their fields as they transition into continuing academic roles at Aston University. “I am excited to welcome these talented individuals as they join us in our mission to develop our workforce of the future and create positive change for industry and society.”
The fellowships begin in September 2025, and with applications now open, researchers are encouraged to apply and become part of a dynamic academic community committed to excellence and impact.
This new initiative follows the recent launch of PhD+, Aston’s fully funded doctoral scholarship programme, which includes a four-month integrated industrial placement and training in areas such as AI, leadership and business. The PhD+ programme is fully funded for three and a half years.
Find out more by visiting the webpage.
- Notes to Editors
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About Aston University
For over 130 years, Aston University has been making our world a better place through education, research and innovation. Our history is intertwined with the remarkable city of Birmingham, once the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and now the thriving base for an innovation ecosystem of global significance, which Aston is co-creating.
Our vision is to be a leading university for science, technology and enterprise, measured by the positive transformational impact we achieve for our people, students, businesses and the communities we serve.
Aston focuses on high-quality, exploitable research that has an impact on society through medical breakthroughs, advancements in engineering, policy and practice in government, and the strategies and performance of business.
The university offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes, as well as Continuing Professional Development solutions.
Thanks to its focus on delivering excellent outcomes for students, Aston University's reputation continues to grow. It was recognised as the Daily Mail University of the Year for Student Success 2025, is 2nd in England for social mobility (2023 HEPI Social Mobility Index), and is top 20 for graduate salaries (2024 Longitudinal Education Outcomes).
Aston University is now defining its place in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media enquiries in relation to this release, contact Loretta Milan, Head of Communications, on (+44) 7773 773959 or email: l.milan@aston.ac.uk.
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