Funder: Royal Society
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: UK: up to £1,907,400 over eight years; Republic of Ireland: salary, overheads and up to €720,000 research expenses over eight years
Summary: Long-term, flexible fellowships help early-career natural scientists build independent research careers in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
Key Information: Applicants must not already lead a research group, hold an external Principal Investigator award, or hold a permanent academic or tenure-track post.
Description
The Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship supports outstanding postdoctoral scientists with strong scientific records and the potential to become research leaders. It provides time, freedom and long-term support for innovative, curiosity-led research while fellows establish independent careers at host institutions in the UK or Republic of Ireland. The natural-sciences remit includes biological and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.
Alongside research funding, fellows can access professional development, networking and engagement opportunities, including leadership, science communication, public engagement, science policy and schools activities. The award accommodates personal circumstances through flexible working and leave provisions. Republic of Ireland fellowships are delivered through a partnership with Taighde Éireann–Research Ireland, which meets their costs.
