University Research Fellowship 2026 by Royal Society
One of the most prestigious scientific research fellowships in the world — the University Research Fellowship (URF) 2026 by the Royal Society — is set to open its application portal on 15 July 2025. This is a golden opportunity for promising scientists to launch and establish an independent research career at top institutions in the UK or the Republic of Ireland — and possibly become the next global leader in science.
What Is the URF Fellowship?
The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) is tailor-made for early-career scientists with a bold research vision and a drive to become trailblazers in their fields. Open to applicants from all countries and backgrounds, the fellowship provides a unique blend of financial backing, career independence, and leadership development over an extended eight (08) year period.
This scheme is designed to help exceptional researchers:
- Build their own research group at a UK or Irish university.
- Pursue high-impact, cutting-edge research with total intellectual freedom.
- Benefit from extensive training in leadership, communication, and science engagement.
- Access generous funding to support PhD studentships, equipment, travel, and research costs.
What’s on Offer?
Each awardee can secure up to £1.87 million over eight years, including:
- Full or partial salary coverage
- Research expenses (equipment, consumables, travel)
- PhD studentship(s) support
- Relocation and visa costs for awardees and their families
- Financial support for conference childcare, sabbaticals, and extended leave
The fellowship is structured for maximum flexibility, including part-time working options and adjustments for personal life events like parental leave and career breaks.
Who Can Apply?
This fellowship is ideal for you if:
- You have 3 to 8 years of post-PhD research experience (excluding formal career breaks)
- You do not hold a permanent academic position
- You have not held an equivalent independent research fellowship
- Your work aligns with the natural sciences, including biology, biomedical sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or environmental sciences
- You’re from any nationality and are eligible for a UK Global Talent Visa through a fast-track endorsement route
Applicants based in the Republic of Ireland will be funded by Science Foundation Ireland and must meet specific criteria.
Selection Process
The rigorous multi-phase selection process includes:
- Initial eligibility check
- Expert panel assessment from one of five disciplinary panels
- Peer review of longlisted applications
- Final interview stage for shortlisted candidates.
Apply: https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research/.
The last date to apply for the University Research Fellowship 2026 offered by the Royal Society is 10 September 2025. Applications for this prestigious fellowship will open on 15 July 2025, and the final selection results will be announced by 30 June 2026.
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