New Research Training Fellowship opportunity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
In loving memory of Shiv Thakrar and his family charity, Smile with Shiv, we are delighted to announce a new Research Training Fellowship (RTF) opportunity in partnership with Action Medical Research.
Developing clinical academic leaders in DMD
Supporting talented researchers is an important part of our mission to accelerate meaningful progress for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and this fellowship is aimed at developing the next generation of clinical academic leaders in DMD.
As part of Action Medical Research’s 2027 RTF round, alongside Smile with Shiv and Joining Jack, Duchenne UK is co-funding a joint fellowship award focused specifically on DMD. This opportunity is designed to build long-term research capacity in DMD by supporting early-career clinicians and allied health professionals to undertake high-quality research training.
Within the same round, Action Medical Research is also partnering with Muscular Dystrophy UK on an RTF in neuromuscular disease, which they are jointly funding.
About the fellowships
- Duration: 24–36 months
- Funding available: Up to £300,000 for each fellowship
- Start date: From April 2027
- The fellowships support the salary of the Research Training Fellow and directly incurred research costs
Who can apply
Applications are invited from UK-based:
- Medical graduates and clinicians
- Research nurses
- Physiotherapists and allied health professionals
- Bioengineers / biomedical engineers at an early-career stage
Focus of the Duchenne UK and Action Medical Research RTF
- Proposed research must focus on DMD in paediatric populations
- Applicants should have some prior research experience and a clear commitment to developing a clinical academic career in areas relevant to child health and DMD
- Researchers who are not currently working directly in DMD, but whose expertise is clearly relevant, are encouraged to enquire about eligibility
“We are humbled, honoured and proud for this fellowship to be dedicated in loving memory of our beloved Shiv – a cherished soul whose journey continues to inspire hope and progress. Though his time was too brief, Shiv’s legacy will live on through the scientific advancements for Duchenne which will be made possible by this fellowship. We are confident this fellowship will bring light to those living with Duchenne and their families both now and in the future. We thank Duchenne UK, Action Medical Research and all those who have and continue to support Smile with Shiv.”
Sejal and Manoj Thakrar – Parents of Shiv, forever 12 and forever loved
How to apply
- Applications are now open
- Outline application deadline: 7 July 2026, 5pm
Applications should be submitted here. Following peer review, shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal and attend interview, with final funding decisions expected in March 2027.
Find out more
Full details and eligibility criteria can be found on Action Medical Research’s funding pages.
If you are interested in applying for our joint fellowship and would like to discuss whether your proposal fits Duchenne UK’s remit, we encourage early engagement with us. You can contact our research team at [email protected].