Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) – 2026

Posted by: Smart || Categories: Scholarship

Empowering the Next Generation of Scientific Leaders

The Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship (URF) offers exceptional early-career scientists the opportunity to establish themselves as independent researchers and future leaders in their fields. With up to eight years of funding and a supportive research environment, this prestigious fellowship enables researchers to pursue ambitious, innovative scientific work in the UK or Republic of Ireland.

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📅 Key Dates

• Application Opens: 15 July 2025

• Application Deadline: 10 September 2025

• Decision Notification: By 30 June 2026

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🏆 About the Fellowship

The University Research Fellowship is one of the most competitive and respected awards in the natural sciences. Offered by the Royal Society, it is designed to support talented researchers who show outstanding potential to become leaders in their disciplines.

The fellowship provides:

• Up to 8 years of funding

• Independence to lead research

• Access to development opportunities, training, and networking

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📚 Eligible Fields of Research

Applications are welcomed from researchers in all areas of the natural sciences, including but not limited to:

• Biological Sciences

• Biomedical Sciences

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Mathematics

• Computer Science

• Engineering

• Environmental Science

• Earth and Planetary Sciences

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🎓 Fellowship Type

• Fully-funded research fellowship

• Independent early-career academic position

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👤 Eligibility Criteria

To apply, you must:

• Have 3 to 8 years of postdoctoral research experience (excluding career breaks)

• Not hold a permanent or proleptic academic position

• Not have held an equivalent fellowship offering independent funding

• Be working within the Royal Society’s natural sciences remit

• Be of any nationality and eligible for a Global Talent Visa if needed

• If based in the Republic of Ireland, meet additional Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) eligibility conditions

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✅ Selection Process

1. Applications are reviewed by one of five disciplinary panels

2. Initial screening by expert panel members

3. Longlisted applications undergo detailed peer review

4. Shortlisted candidates are invited for interview

5. Final decisions made with Royal Society oversight

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🌍 Who Can Apply?

• Researchers from any nationality

• Must be hosted by an eligible UK or Republic of Ireland university or research institution

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📍 Host Institution

• Must be a UK or Republic of Ireland university or not-for-profit research institution

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🔢 Number of Awards

• Varies annually depending on available funds

• Typically 40 to 50 fellowships awarded each year

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🎁 Fellowship Benefits

Total award: Up to £1.87 million over 8 years, including:

• Full or partial salary support

• Research expenses (equipment, consumables, travel)

• One or more 4-year PhD studentships

• Relocation and visa costs (for fellows and dependants)

• Flexible working options and parental leave support

• Childcare support for conference travel

• Leadership training, mentoring, and public engagement opportunities

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⏳ Duration

• Up to 8 years total

• Mid-term review at year 4

• Years 6–8 are awarded conditionally, based on progress

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📝 How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® system. Applicants should prepare the following:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) and publication list

• Detailed research proposal

• Budget plan with justification

• Head of Department statement (visible to applicant)

• Host institution’s support documentation

🔗 Apply via Flexi-Grant

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This fellowship offers an exceptional platform to develop a long-term scientific career. If you’re a passionate, driven researcher looking to take the next big step toward leadership and innovation—start your application today.

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