' fill='%23ffffff'%3E%3Cpath d='M283.94,167.31l386.39,516.64L281.5,1104h87.51l340.42-367.76L984.48,1104h297.8L874.15,558.3l361.92-390.99 h-87.51l-313.51,338.7l-253.31-338.7H283.94z M412.63,231.77h136.81l604.13,807.76h-136.81L412.63,231.77z'%3E%3C/path%3E%3C/g%3E%3C/svg%3E%0A){kind=small}
Fellowship Fund opens up chance for Scotland’s mental health research community to travel, learn, and connect
Scotland’s diverse mental health researchers have an exciting chance to accelerate their professional development thanks to new support opportunities for conference attendance being offered
The prestigious Travelling Fellowship Fund, made available by NHS Research Scotland (NRS) Mental Health Network for a third consecutive year, is designed to assist with advancing expertise and driving meaningful change through attendance at standout UK and international events.
Increased awards are now on offer with the Network expecting to fund up to four UK Fellowships of £500 each and three international Fellowships of £1000 each with applicants from underrepresented groups, or those working with underrepresented groups, particularly encouraged.
Applications will be accepted until the fund is depleted, so the Network is urging interested parties to act quickly.
Around one in four people across Scotland will face a mental health problem during their lifetime so research is incredibly important to unlock better understanding of the causes and risk factors, potentially leading to more effective treatments, preventative measures, and improved diagnosis.
Dr Donald MacIntyre, NHS consultant general psychiatrist and NRS Mental Health Director, said: “Mental ill-health continues to affect so many in Scotland and those with a mental health condition are at higher risk of developing a physical illness, underlining the urgent need to act.
“Encouraging a new generation of researchers can help turn the tide with conference attendance among the important career milestones which serve to inspire an extension of our understanding and collaborative reach.
“Fundamentally, the Travelling Fellowship Fund aims to bring vital mental health learnings back to Scotland while fostering new national and international links in order to increase the quality of research.
“We are therefore pleased to be in a position to offer conference funding for a third year to assist up-and-coming researchers in their ambitions to learn more and help reverse the devastating impact which poor mental health has on individuals, their families, and Scottish society as a whole.”
The NRS Mental Health Network supports an active mental health research community across Scotland, leading studies in this growing field across areas such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism, depression, addictions, and psychosis, while identifying emerging research opportunities.
Network Manager Catherine Deith said: “We recognise that travel and accommodation can be costly, particularly with difficult financial conditions being widely experienced.
“We hope that our funding helps to make learning a more attractive and viable proposition for many who are keen to make new connections and accelerate their development.
“UK and international conferences especially offer a hub of cutting-edge learning with insights on success stories being valuable takeaways that can change our entire thinking or help to form the foundations which could allow new approaches to flourish here in Scotland.”
“Conferences are a great platform for looking at issues with a fresh mindset, to understand where others across the globe or in other parts of the UK are experiencing success, while absorbing and sharing learnings.
“Our Travelling Fellowship Fund can help to make attendance a more viable proposition by helping to assist with financial considerations and allowing professional development ambitions to continue for those with an interest in vital mental health research.”
Applications are invited from:
- Members who are engaged in or can demonstrate commitment to conducting clinical research
- Members who do not have major (e.g. fellowship) external research funding
Fellowship applicants should be able to state clearly how it will support their career development. Those who are successful will be expected to briefly report back issues of interest and may be invited to present at the Network’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
To apply, please complete the application form and return by email to Catherine.Deith@ed.ac.uk.
Outcomes will be communicated directly with the applicant. Successful applications will be publicised by the Network on the Teams channel, social media, and the NRS Website. Please also note that:
- The Network can book and pay for travel arrangements
- It can also pay conference registration fees in advance or in retrospect
- Successful applicants’ reports on their experiences will be publicised
The Mental Health Network operates across Scotland. It aims to create and maintain the best environment for mental health research by increasing research activity across Scotland, diversifying the portfolio of research studies and increasing the participation of patients and clinicians in research.
Publication date: 28th April 2026
