The University Research Fellowship scheme is for outstanding scientists who are in the early stages of their research careers and have the potential to become leaders in their field. These long-term fellowships offer the opportunity and freedom to establish an independent research career in the UK or the Republic of Ireland, and to pursue cutting-edge scientific research.
When is the Application Deadline:
- Opening Date: 15 July 2025
- Closing Date: 10 September 2025
- Decision By: 30 June 2026
🏆 Tell Me About the Award:
The University Research Fellowship (URF) is one of the most prestigious fellowships in the natural sciences. Offered by the Royal Society, it supports early-career researchers who demonstrate exceptional potential to become leaders in their field. The fellowship provides up to eight years of flexible funding, career independence, and professional development opportunities to carry out innovative research in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
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📚 Which Fields Are Eligible?
The fellowship supports research in the natural sciences, including but not limited to:
- Biological Sciences
- Biomedical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
📌 Type:
- Fully funded early-career research fellowship
- Independent academic research position
👤 Who Can Apply?
You are eligible if you:
- Have 3 to 8 years of post-PhD research experience (excluding career breaks)
- Do not hold a permanent position (or proleptic appointment)
- Have not held an equivalent fellowship supporting research independence
- Work in an area covered by the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit
- Are of any nationality and eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa
Note: Applicants in Republic of Ireland must meet additional SFI requirements.
✅ How Are Applicants Selected?
- Applications are reviewed by one of five Research Appointment Panels based on subject area
- Initial review by expert panel members
- Longlisted applications undergo independent peer review
- Shortlisted applicants are invited for an interview
- Final selections are made by the panels with oversight from the Royal Society
🌍 Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Open to applicants of all nationalities
- Host institution must be in the UK or Republic of Ireland
📍 Where Will the Award be Taken?
- At a university or not-for-profit research institution in the UK or Republic of Ireland
🔢 How Many Awards?
- The number of fellowships awarded varies by year based on available funding
- Historically, around 40–50 fellowships are awarded annually
🎁 What is the Benefit of the Award?
Up to £1.87 million over 8 years, covering:
- Salary (full or partial)
- Research expenses (equipment, consumables, travel)
- One or more 4-year PhD studentships
- Relocation and visa costs for applicant and dependants
- Flexible working options, maternity/paternity leave support
- Childcare expenses for conference travel
- Access to professional development, leadership training, and public engagement activities
⏳ How Long Will the Award Last?
- 8 years total, with a mid-fellowship review after year 4
- Years 6–8 are conditional on satisfactory progress
📝 How to Apply:
- Applications must be submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® system
- Prepare:
- CV and publication list
- Research proposal
- Host institution support documents
- Head of Department statement (now visible to the applicant)
- Budget and justification
🔗 Visit the Award Webpage for Details:
https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research
