Applications are now open for two funded, part-time Earth Fellowships at the University of Edinburgh. These roles support innovative work at the intersection of climate action, biodiversity, and socially responsible engineering and are delivered through a collaboration between the Edinburgh Earth Initiative and Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME).
The fellowships are ideal for postgraduate and PhD students who want to apply their academic skills to real-world climate and equity challenges while contributing to a growing, interdisciplinary engineering community.
About the Earth Fellowships
Earth Fellows work closely with researchers, educators, and practitioners to translate research, data, and lived experience into practical impact. The programme focuses on inclusive engineering approaches that respond to climate change and biodiversity loss through education, research, and community engagement.
- Location: United Kingdom
- Commitment: Part-time (9 hours per week)
- Funding: Fully funded
Available Roles
1) Earth Fellow – FeME Education
Duration: 12 months (starting January 2026)
Key Responsibilities
- Curate and expand the FeME Tapestry, showcasing diverse global perspectives on climate-aware engineering
- Coordinate interdisciplinary summer student projects and support a final public showcase
- Explore school-based engineering challenges aimed at widening participation
- Translate learning into blogs, short reports, and case studies for the FeME platform
Who Should Apply
- PhD students at the University of Edinburgh (2025/26)
- Strong interest in STEM education, outreach, and inclusive learning
- Experience in coordination, communication, or interdisciplinary projects
2) Earth Fellow – FeME Climate Challenge Impact
Duration: 6 months (starting January 2026)
- Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
- Interviews: 15 January 2026
Key Responsibilities
- Organise and analyse datasets from the FeME Climate Challenge 2025
- Manage qualitative and quantitative data, ensuring ethical handling and anonymisation
- Produce visual summaries, written insights, and internal reports
- Contribute to an impact slide deck and project documentation
Why Join This Fellowship?
- Work within a supportive, interdisciplinary research and impact community
- Access co-working space, professional development, and networking opportunities
- Contribute to nationally funded research shaping the future of inclusive engineering
- Gain hands-on experience linking research, education, and climate action
About Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME)
Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME) is a national research collaboration led by the University of Edinburgh, in partnership with the University of Glasgow and Heriot-Watt University. Funded by the EPSRC, FeME applies the concept of “failure modes” to identify structural gaps in engineering practice and develop more inclusive, resilient, and socially responsive approaches.
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
- Current postgraduate and PhD students at the University of Edinburgh (2025/26)
- Strong attention to detail with experience in spreadsheets, data handling, or qualitative analysis
- Demonstrated interest in climate research, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary collaboration
Eligibility Notes
- Open only to students enrolled at the University of Edinburgh
- Applicants must be based in the UK during the fellowship period
Application Deadline: 6 January 2026
Check other opportunities:
KWI International Fellowship 2026/27 in Germany (Fully Funded)
World Press Institute Fellowship 2026 in the USA (Fully Funded)
Awaji Youth Federation Fellowship 2026 in Japan (Fully Funded)
Columbia Climate School Master’s Programmes: Fall 2026 Application Guide
