The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) provides outstanding early-career scientists with long-term funding, research independence, and access to professional development opportunities to help them become future leaders in science.
The fellowship supports researchers who demonstrate the potential to conduct innovative scientific research at universities or research institutions in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.
About the Royal Society University Research Fellowship
The University Research Fellowship programme is designed to support the next generation of scientific leaders by giving early-career researchers the freedom, time, and resources needed to build independent research careers.
The fellowship enables researchers to:
- Establish an independent research programme
- Conduct cutting-edge scientific research
- Develop leadership skills
- Build international research networks
- Access career development opportunities
The fellowship is awarded for eight years, with continued support during years six to eight subject to satisfactory progress during a mid-fellowship review.
Fellowship Benefits
Successful applicants can receive funding of up to £1,907,400 over eight years.
Funding can support:
- Contribution towards the researcher’s salary
- Research equipment
- Laboratory expenses and consumables
- Travel and research activities
- Research assistant salaries
- PhD studentships
- Technical support staff
- Indirect research costs
- Relocation expenses
- Visa costs for researchers and eligible dependants
The fellowship provides flexibility for researchers with personal circumstances, including support arrangements related to:
- Part-time working
- Sabbaticals
- Secondments
- Parental leave
- Extended sick leave
- Childcare costs connected to research activities
Eligibility
The Royal Society University Research Fellowship is aimed at:
- Early-career scientists
- Researchers with strong academic potential
- Scientists who want to establish independent research careers
- Applicants capable of becoming leaders in their research fields
The fellowship supports researchers based at eligible universities or research institutions in:
- United Kingdom
- Republic of Ireland
Research Areas Supported
The fellowship supports scientific research across STEM disciplines, including:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
Applicants are expected to propose innovative research projects that can contribute to advancing knowledge and addressing major scientific challenges.
Professional Development Opportunities
Beyond financial support, Royal Society Research Fellows gain access to development opportunities including:
- Leadership training
- Science communication programmes
- Public engagement activities
- Networking opportunities
- Research community events
These opportunities help fellows strengthen their skills as researchers, mentors, and future scientific leaders.
Application Timeline for 2027 Fellowship
Open date: 14 July 2026
Deadline: 09 September 2026
Decision announcement: 31 May 2027
Applications are submitted through the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant platform.
Why Apply for the Royal Society Fellowship?
The Royal Society University Research Fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to:
- Build a long-term independent research career
- Access substantial research funding
- Work within world-class scientific environments
- Develop as leaders in their fields
- Create impactful scientific discoveries
For ambitious early-career scientists, the fellowship represents one of the most prestigious research funding opportunities available in the UK and Ireland.
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