The University Research Fellowship supports early-career postdoctoral scientists in building independent research careers in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland. The Royal Society runs the programme for research within its natural-sciences remit.
Recipients pursue an eight-year research programme at an eligible host institution, with years six to eight conditional on a successful mid-fellowship review. Shortlisted applicants attend an in-person interview at the Royal Society.
Benefits & funding
- Applicants may request up to £1,907,400 across eight years; justified visa and relocation costs may exceed that cap.
- Eligible costs include a contribution to the fellow’s salary, estate and indirect costs, equipment, consumables, travel, research assistance, other research staff, and PhD studentships.
- The award also provides professional development, networking, engagement opportunities, and flexibility for part-time work and specified forms of leave.
- Up to 35 awards are expected, with possible additional appointments subject to available funding.
Eligibility
- Applicants may be of any nationality, and no prior UK or Irish residence requirement is stated.
- Applicants must be early-career postdoctoral researchers whose work falls within the Royal Society’s natural-sciences remit.
- The standard route requires three to eight years of actual research experience since PhD approval by the closing date, with career breaks considered. Exceptional applicants with under three years may be considered case by case after an advance supporting letter from the Head of Department.
- Applicants must not already lead a research group, be a lead applicant on an external award, hold a tenure-track or permanent academic post, or hold or previously have held a nationally competitive fellowship equivalent to this award.
- The fellowship must be hosted by an eligible UK higher-education or research organisation, or by a Research Ireland Eligible Research Body for the Irish route.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
PhD
Experience required
≤ 8 yrs
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Application process
- 1Read the relevant UK or Republic of Ireland scheme notes and confirm applicant, project, and host eligibility.
- 2Create or use a Flexi-Grant account, select the scheme, and complete the form, eight-year research proposal, and budget.
- 3Invite the proposed Head of Department and one independent nominated referee through Flexi-Grant and ensure both submit their contributions.
- 4Submit the completed application for host-organisation approval early enough for the approver to finish before 15:00 UK time on 9 September 2026.
Program timeline
Applications open
14 July 2026
Application and host-approval deadline
9 September 2026, 15:00 UK time
In-person interviews for shortlisted applicants
13–29 April 2027
Expected results for the UK route
May 2027
Expected results for the Republic of Ireland route
July 2027
Expected fellowship start window
1 October 2027–1 January 2028