The Fellowships, which are funded by the Marshall Sherfield Fellowship Foundation, and administered by the Marshall Commission, enable American scientists or engineers to undertake post-doctoral research at a British university or research institute.

The aim of the Marshall Sherfield Fellowships is to introduce American scientists and engineers to the cutting edge of UK science and engineering. It is intended that this in turn will build longer-term contacts and international links between the United Kingdom and the United States in key scientific areas.

Candidates must hold a doctorate in a science or engineering subject by the time they take up their Fellowship. In appointing Fellows the selectors will look for distinction of intellect and character as evidenced both by their scholastic attainments and by their other activities and achievements. Candidates, who will be expected to pursue high level research during their Fellowship, should demonstrate an outward-looking disposition, good communications skills and the potential to promote British-American understanding. Preference will be given to candidates who combine high academic ability with the capacity to play an active part in the life of the United Kingdom university or research institute to which they go, and to those who display a potential to make a significant contribution to their own society. Selectors will also look for strong motivation and seriousness of purpose, including the presentation of a specific and realistic research programme.