University Research Fellowship
Forecasted
The University Research Fellowship from the Royal Society supports early career scientists to develop independent research careers in the natural sciences with up to eight years of flexible funding.
Funder: Royal Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to £1,907,400 (UK) or up to €720,000 research costs + salary/overheads (Ireland) over 8 years; typically 8-year fellowships
Summary: Long-term fellowships supporting outstanding early career researchers to build independent research careers in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
Key Information: Forecasted round—dates and details are subject to change; check the program page for updates.
Description
The University Research Fellowship is a flagship scheme from the Royal Society designed to support outstanding early career scientists who demonstrate the potential to become leaders in their field. The fellowship provides up to eight years of flexible funding, enabling recipients to establish independent research careers at eligible institutions in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. Fellows benefit from extensive professional development, networking, and engagement opportunities, with a strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion. The scheme is highly competitive and targets researchers in the natural sciences, including but not limited to biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics.
