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. 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. 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.