51³Ô¹ÏÍø

Dr Gbemi Oluleye shares her fellowship journey, which offered her the space, time and independence to lead a dedicated research programme on economic interventions for industrial heating decarbonisation.

Find out what prompted her to apply, how it transformed her career path and why she strongly encourages others to apply.  

What stage were you at in your career when you applied for the fellowship?

I was a research associate, three years into the role, transitioning from postdoctoral research and policy engagement into independent academia. My work focused on techno-economic modelling of the sustainable solutions for industrial decarbonisation, domestic heating decarbonisation and power systems decarbonisation. 

I had begun contributing evidence to policy discussions by outlining integrated technology pathways. But I had not yet led an independent research programme particularly one focused on shaping and designing market-based mechanisms that make sustainable solutions the first economic choice—and I did not see anyone else doing it.

The fellowship felt like the right opportunity to explore and focus on sustainable solutions for industrial heating.

How did the fellowship accelerate your career?

The fellowship provided independence, protected research time and thinking time, and credibility at a critical early-career stage. Dr Gbemi Oluleye

The fellowship provided independence, protected research time and thinking time, and credibility at an early-career stage. It enabled me to establish an independent research programme and secure some more funding. 

I developed novel optimisation frameworks to improve the economic viability of industrial heat decarbonisation and translated research into direct policy impact, including contributions to the UK Hydrogen and industrial decarbonisation Strategy. 

The fellowship also strengthened my leadership profile within 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and externally. It provided the intellectual space and confidence to transition successfully into a permanent academic post and establish a research programme that develops data-driven computational tools to evaluate market-based mechanisms that make sustainable solutions the first economic choice.

What was the single most valuable aspect of the fellowship?

Independence and protected time.

That space allowed me to deeply understand and define my research identity without the immediate pressures of heavy teaching or administrative loads (I still did some teaching but it was driven by my research). 

This space was invaluable for refining my research focus, building strategic collaborations across departments, and developing relationships with policymakers and industry partners. The scheme’s structured training and mentoring support further strengthened my leadership and management capabilities.

Who should consider applying?

If you are ready to define your own research direction, this fellowship is for you.

Strong candidates demonstrate:

• the potential to build a distinctive academic identity 
• a solid track record relative to career stage
• ambition to develop high-impact research 
• readiness to use the protected time strategically to refine their research focus, build collaborations, and secure follow-on funding
• be prepared to take ownership of their trajectory

What advice would you give potential applicants?

If you are ready to define your own research direction, this fellowship is for you. Dr Gbemi Oluleye

Don’t be intimated by the scheme’s success rate. If you meet the criteria, apply. 

Use the application process to articulate your long-term vision. Then extract your narrow project proposal guided by that vision. 

Be clear about how the Fellowship will enable you to establish independence and what unique contribution you aim to make.

The fellowship is more than funding for a project. It is a launchpad for academic leadership. If you are ready to step into that role, this could be the opportunity that changes your career. 

Dr Gbemi Oluleye was an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellow from 2019 to 2021. Find out how an 51³Ô¹ÏÍø Research Fellowship could share your future and apply today.