AXA Research Fund Chair 2026

We are inviting expressions of interest for the AXA Research Fund Chair scheme. Please note that this is a demand-managed call, and the University of Edinburgh may submit only one nomination.

This page is for candidates who are currently external to the University of Edinburgh and wish to apply to be hosted by the University of Edinburgh. 

If you are currently a staff member please refer to our demand management guidance on our ERO HUBsite for the Research Community at the link below:

Call Information

The AXA Chair is a highly selective funding scheme designed to support a transformative, high-impact research programme that builds long-term institutional capacity and international leadership in a strategic area. It provides funding to support the recruitment of a Chairholder, with the University required to create a new Chair position (externally recruited; not an internal promotion).

Funding and Institutional Commitment

  • AXA provides up to €200k per year for 5 years (approx. £160k/year; no overheads)
  • The University must co-invest (e.g. through studentships, postdoctoral support, and research resources)
  • Proposals must align with institutional strategic priorities

Key Requirements

Applicants must clearly demonstrate the following (critical for EOI stage):

  • Transdisciplinary research
    Integration of at least two disciplines, including:
    • one from social sciences / humanities / economics, and
    • one from natural sciences / engineering / technology
      (integration must be substantive, not parallel)
  • Co-production with non-academic partners
    At least one partner (e.g. public authority, NGO, community organisation) must be involved in co-design, co-development, and co-implementation.
  • Focus on major societal risks, aligned to one or more of:
    • Health and wellbeing
    • Societal risks
    • Environmental / planetary risks
  • Network-based approach
    The Chair must establish and lead an international, multi-partner research network, with a clear plan for long-term sustainability beyond the 5-year award.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this scheme the applicant must: 

  • Be a senior academic (minimum PhD +10 years)
  • Have an outstanding track record and international standing
  • Must have demonstrated experience in transdisciplinary research and stakeholder engagement
  • Must hold (or take up) a full-time position at the University

Please note that preference given to external candidates.

Further Resources

University of Edinburgh Internal Selection Process

This call runs annually, and typically with very short notice from the funder. If you are interested in applying, please discuss with your preferred host School or Centre in advance of the final details being published.

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