The Fully Funded Royal Society University Research Fellowship in UK is open to all nationals. It is offered to high-potential scientists in the early stages of their research careers. The University Research Fellowship (URF) programme is designed to nurture the next generation of research leaders by supporting cutting-edge research. The Royal Society University Research fellowships aim to help exceptional early-career scientists, who have the potential to become leaders in their fields. The fellowship in UK will give Royal Society fellows the freedom, time and long-term flexible support to pursue high-quality and innovative scientific research. it is an excellent opportunity to pursue research in the United Kingdom.

It offers countless benefits to all fellows. It is a fully funded fellowship and applicants can apply for a maximum of £1.87 million over eight years. The UK fellowship 2024-25 lasts for eight years, with a review of progress conducted at the start of the fourth year to determine continuation into the sixth through eighth years. This is a fantastic chance to become a fellow of the Royal Society and provides them with a chance to secure an independent research career in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

Moreover, the Royal Society University Research Fellowship in the UK helps scientists to pursue advanced scientific research. These international fellowships will help fellows advance their careers and develop as research leaders by offering tailored, high-quality professional development, networking and engagement opportunities. It is an excellent opportunity for young researchers and scientists to pursue research in the UK. The Royal Society emphasizes that diversity is crucial for achieving excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It encourages applications from people with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

The benefits of the Fully Funded Royal Society University Research Fellowship in UK are:

• It is a fully funded fellowship where fellows can apply for up to £1.87 million for an eight-year period.
• These funds can be used to cover part of the award holder’s salary, indirect and estate costs, equipment and research expenses, including consumables and travel.
• The funds will also cover relocation and visa costs for the applicant and their dependents (partner and children). the URF will provide support for new four-year PhD studentship(s).
• The Fellowship offers flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances such as part-time work, sabbaticals and secondments.
• Maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoptive, or extended sick leave provisions are available, along with financial support for childcare costs incurred from attending conferences and research visits.
• Fellows can access various career development and engagement opportunities, including training in leadership, science communication, and public engagement.
• The fellowship is a life-changing opportunity and the Royal Society awards have significantly impacted many researchers’ careers.
• It is an excellent chance to pursue research in the UK and undertake an international research fellowship.

The eligibility criteria for the Fully Funded Royal Society University Research Fellowship in UK are stated below:

• Fellows must have three to eight years of research experience, excluding career breaks, since their PhD by the deadline for the round.
• They do not have any permanent positions in major universities or non-profit research organizations (such as proleptic or rolling employment contracts).
• Furthermore, to be eligible for the Royal Society University Research Fellowship program, applicants should not have previously held a fellowship equivalent to this one, which provides an opportunity to establish an independent research group and attain independent researcher status.
• Applicants’ research should fall within the Royal Society’s available fields. Including, but not limited to natural sciences,  biological research, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.
• Applicants can be of any nationality and those requiring a visa are eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa through the fast-track endorsement process.
• Science Foundation Ireland funds applicants from Ireland (ROI). They will need to read the eligibility requirements in the specified scheme notes.