If you’re an early-career scientist with big ideas and a drive to lead in your research field, the Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026 could be your launchpad to an independent academic future. Offering up to £1.87 million over eight years, this prestigious opportunity supports emerging research leaders from around the world in building long-term careers in the UK or Republic of Ireland. Applications open on 15 July 2025, so it’s time to prepare!

Whether you’re working in physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics, or environmental sciences, this fellowship offers a rare chance to gain autonomy, funding, and developmental support — all in one.

About the Royal Society and the Fellowship

Founded in 1660, the Royal Society is the UK’s national Academy of Sciences and a global leader in scientific excellence. With over 360 years of history, its fellowships have supported many of the world’s most influential scientists.

The University Research Fellowship supports early-career researchers to pursue cutting-edge scientific exploration and to become leaders in their disciplines. The programme provides flexibility, funding, mentorship, and leadership training, giving fellows the freedom to design their own research trajectory in any natural science discipline.

Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026 Overview

Feature	Details
Name	University Research Fellowship (URF) 2026
Host	The Royal Society
Host Countries	United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland
Target Group	Early-career scientists (3–8 years post-PhD)
Fields	Natural sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Math, etc.
Application Opens	15 July 2025
Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026 Deadline	10 September 2025
Decision Date	30 June 2026
Duration	8 years (6–8 years contingent on mid-term review)
Funding	Up to £1.87 million

Key Benefits of the Fellowship

• Full salary contribution for the award holder
• Funding for research expenses, travel, and equipment
• Support for research assistance salaries
• Optional new PhD studentship (4 years)
• Relocation and visa costs for applicants and their families
• Indirect and estate costs for the host institution
• Maternity/paternity leave, shared parental leave, sick leave, part-time working options
• Financial support for childcare during conferences or research visits
• Career development programs, public engagement training, leadership support
• Access to exclusive Royal Society alumni and networking opportunities

Who Should Apply?

You should apply if you’re meeting the Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026 eligibility criteria:

• You have 3 to 8 years of post-PhD research experience (excluding career breaks)
• You are not currently in a permanent academic position
• You have not previously held an equivalent independent research fellowship
• Your research fits within the natural sciences, including biomedical, physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences
• You are committed to becoming a leader in your scientific discipline
• You are of any nationality (Global Talent Visa fast-track available)

For Irish applicants, funding is provided by Science Foundation Ireland and subject to separate eligibility guidelines.

Application Process

To apply for the Royal Society URF 2026, follow these steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility
   Review your career stage, research focus, and current job status to ensure you meet the criteria.
2. Contact Host Institution
   Discuss your proposal with a UK or Irish host university. Get institutional support and department head endorsement.
3. Register on Flexi-Grant®
   Start your application on the Royal Society’s portal: https://grants.royalsociety.org
4. Prepare Proposal Documents
   Include research objectives, timelines, budget, impact, and institutional support details.
5. Submit Before Deadline
   Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026-application form must be submitted by 10 September 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
6. Interview Preparation (if shortlisted)
   Final-stage interviews take place in person at the Royal Society. You’ll present your research vision and potential.

Assessment Criteria and Process

Applications are reviewed by one of five Research Appointment Panels based on your discipline:

• Ai – Physics, earth sciences, environmental sciences
• Aii – Chemistry, engineering
• Aiii – Mathematics, computer science, statistics
• Bi – Biology, physiology, plant and zoology sciences
• Bii – Biomedical sciences

The process includes:

• Eligibility screening
• Peer-review by at least two experts
• Longlisting and external review
• Interview-based final selection
• Final decision by 30 June 2026

The Royal Society values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.

Why This Fellowship is Unique

The URF isn’t just a research grant — it’s a full-fledged career accelerator. Here’s why it matters:

• You’ll gain long-term research independence at a top university.
• You’ll receive leadership training and join a powerful network of Royal Society fellows.
• You get the flexibility to structure your career — part-time work, sabbaticals, or secondments are all possible.
• Support systems include visa sponsorship, relocation help, and childcare funding, making the fellowship inclusive for international researchers and families.

Support for Disabled Applicants

The Royal Society provides personalized support for applicants with disabilities, including:

• Extended deadlines
• Help completing application forms
• Alternate formats (e.g., Word format)
• Technical assistance for interviews
• Travel and accommodation support

Contact: [email protected] or call +44 20 7451 2666 for confidential assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can international researchers apply?
   Yes, applicants of any nationality can apply, and the scheme supports Global Talent Visa fast-track endorsement.
2. What is the funding amount?
   Up to £1.87 million over 8 years, covering salary, research expenses, PhD studentships, and more.
3. Can I apply if I already have a research position?
   You must not hold a permanent academic post or equivalent fellowship.
4. What subjects are eligible?
   Natural sciences including physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, and biomedical sciences.
5. Is there any limit on application attempts?
   You can only hold this fellowship once. However, reapplication is allowed if previously unsuccessful, provided you still meet the eligibility.
6. Can I work part-time under the fellowship?
   Yes, part-time work and flexible arrangements are supported.
7. What if I need to take maternity or sick leave?
   The fellowship allows for maternity, paternity, and extended sick leave, with continued support.
8. Is institutional support required?
   Yes, your host university must provide a formal support statement and administrative backing.
9. How competitive is the fellowship?
   Highly competitive — thorough peer review and interview process assess innovation, potential, and research quality.

If you’re dreaming of establishing a meaningful academic career in the UK or Ireland, the Royal Society URF 2026 offers everything you need — time, funding, flexibility, and support. Prepare early, choose your host wisely, and don’t miss the 15 July 2025 application opening. Apply NOW. To apply and learn more, visit the Official Page.

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