Early Independence: NERC Independent Research Fellowship 2026
Five-year NERC fellowships support early career researchers in developing independent, innovative research across all areas of environmental science at UK institutions.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (ARCHER2 HPC) | March 2027 (BAS Antarctic logistics OSPQ) | May 2027 (Marine Planning ship-time/marine facilities) | June 2027 (Full application/closing date)
Funding Amounts: No set maximum or minimum; typically 5 years’ support at 80% FEC; total fund in previous round was £7,250,000.
Summary: Five-year fellowships for early career researchers to establish independent research in environmental sciences at eligible UK institutions.
Key Information: All dates are projected; applicants must check the program page for updates.
Description
This fellowship supports early career researchers seeking to establish themselves as independent leaders in environmental science. Offered by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) under UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the scheme funds investigator-led research across NERC’s remit, including (but not limited to) atmospheric sciences, climate, ecology, geosciences, marine and polar sciences, and science-based archaeology. The fellowship is designed to enable researchers to develop their own research direction, independent of previous supervisors or senior collaborators, and to foster the next generation of research leaders in UK environmental sciences. The scheme encourages multidisciplinary proposals and supports flexible working, career development, and institutional support.
