The University Research Fellowship is a prestigious programme designed for outstanding early-career scientists who have the potential to become leaders in their field. This fully funded fellowship provides long-term support to build an independent research career at a UK university or research institution, offering freedom and flexibility to pursue cutting-edge scientific research.
The Royal Society is the UK’s national academy of sciences, dedicated to promoting excellence in science. Through this fellowship, the Society aims to support the next generation of research leaders by providing tailored professional development, networking opportunities, and substantial funding over eight years. The scheme is funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) for UK-based awards and by Research Ireland for awards in the Republic of Ireland.
University Research Fellowship Benefits
- Up to £1,907,400 over eight years
- Contribution to the award holder’s salary
- Indirect and estate costs
- Equipment costs and research expenses including consumables, travel, etc
- Contribution towards research assistance salary and associated indirect and estate costs
- Contribution to staff costs (PDRA, PhD studentships and technical support)
- Relocation and visa costs for the applicants and their dependants (partner and children)
- Flexibility for part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments
- Provision for maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoptive or extended sick leave
- Financial support for childcare costs arising from attending conferences and research visits
- Access to career development and engagement opportunities including training on leadership, science communication and public engagement
University Research Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- You have between three and eight years of research experience, excluding career breaks, since the award of your PhD by the closing date of the round
- Your research is within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, including but not limited to biological research and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics
- You do not already lead a research group or hold an external award as ‘Principal Investigator’
- You do not hold a tenure track faculty position or permanent academic post in a university or not-for-profit research organisation
- You do not hold, or have previously held, a nationally competitive research fellowship equivalent to a URF (awarded through national open competition, of five or more years duration, portable to any host organisation, provides support for salary and research costs/staff, intended to enable independence)
- Applicants can be of any nationality; those requiring a visa are eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa
Required Documents
Prepare the following core sections:
- Applicant career information
- Field of specialisation: maximum 20 words
- Current research summary: maximum 200 words
- Personal statement: maximum 500 words
- Career history and qualifications
- Current and previous research funding
- Research outputs
- Up to 20 relevant publications and preprints
- Maximum 1,000 words
- Up to five outputs marked as most significant
- Clear explanation of your contribution to collaborative publications
- Research proposal
- Project title: maximum 20 words
- Five to 10 research keywords
- Scientific abstract: maximum 400 words
- Lay summary: maximum 250 words
- Detailed five-year research plan
- Broader eight-year strategy
- Proposal document
- Maximum four A4 pages
- Portrait orientation
- Minimum Arial 10 font
- Applicant name and heading on every page
- Images and references included within the four-page limit
- Institutional and referee support
- Head of Department statement
- One nominated referee report
- Collaborator support letters where relevant
- Host institutional approval
The Head of Department and nominated referee must be different people. In addition, the referee cannot act as a named project collaborator, Royal Society Council member, or assessment panel member.
All references must use English.
How to Apply for University Research Fellowship
- Apply through the Royal Society’s application and grant management system, Flexi-Grant®
- Ensure you meet all eligibility requirements before applying
- Submit your application by the deadline of 09 September 2026
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an in-person interview at the Royal Society
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Royal Society University Research Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the University Research Fellowship?
The University Research Fellowship (URF) is a prestigious programme by the Royal Society that supports outstanding early-career scientists to build an independent research career in the UK or Republic of Ireland. It provides long-term, flexible funding for up to eight years to pursue cutting-edge scientific research.
Who is eligible to apply for the University Research Fellowship?
Applicants must have between three and eight years of research experience since their PhD, excluding career breaks. Their research must be within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences. They must not already lead a research group or hold a permanent academic post. Applicants of any nationality are welcome.
What is the deadline for the University Research Fellowship 2026?
The deadline for the 2026 round is 09 September 2026. The scheme opens on 14 July 2026. Decisions are expected by 31 May 2027.
What does the University Research Fellowship cover?
The fellowship provides up to £1,907,400 over eight years. Funds can cover the award holder’s salary, indirect and estate costs, equipment, research expenses, staff costs (PDRA, PhD studentships, technical support), and relocation/visa costs for the applicant and dependants.
How long is the University Research Fellowship?
The fellowship is for eight years. Years six to eight are subject to satisfactory progress demonstrated in a mid-fellowship review at the start of year four.
How do I apply for the University Research Fellowship?
Applications are submitted through the Royal Society’s online grant management system, Flexi-Grant®. You must complete the application form, provide the required information, and submit it by the deadline. Shortlisted candidates are invited for an in-person interview.
What is the selection process for the University Research Fellowship?
Applications are assessed by one of five Research Appointment Panels based on research area. After eligibility checks, applications are reviewed by panel members, longlisted for independent peer review, and then shortlisted for interview. Final funding recommendations are made by the panels.
Can I apply if I am not a UK citizen?
Yes, applicants of any nationality are eligible. Those requiring a visa can apply for a Global Talent Visa under the fast-track endorsement process.
What support is available for disabled applicants?
The Royal Society welcomes applications from disabled scientists and provides adjustments such as deadline extensions, alternative application formats, interview support, and additional costs for attending interviews. Contact [email protected] for confidential assistance.
What career development opportunities are available to fellows?
Royal Society Research Fellows have access to training on leadership, science communication, and public engagement, as well as activities coordinated by the science policy and schools engagement teams. These opportunities help fellows develop as research leaders.
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