The prestigious University Research Fellowship (URF) offered by the Royal Society will open for applications on 15 July 2025, with a closing date set for 10 September 2025. This highly sought-after fellowship aims to support outstanding early-career scientists worldwide who have the potential to become future leaders in their fields. It offers the freedom, time, and long-term backing necessary to build an independent research career at a university or research institution in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.
With decisions expected by 30 June 2026, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to start preparing their documents now to ensure a strong and timely submission once the portal opens. The URF not only offers significant financial support but also includes professional development opportunities, career mentorship, and dedicated leadership and science communication training.
Funding Package
Fellows selected for the URF will receive a funding package worth up to £1.87 million over eight years. Funding coverage includes:
- Contribution towards the award holder’s salary
- Research expenses, including consumables, travel, and equipment costs
- Indirect and estate costs
- Salary contributions for research assistance
- Support for one or more new four-year PhD studentships
- Relocation and visa costs for the applicant and dependents (partner and children)
Notably, the grant cap can be exceeded to cover justified relocation or visa expenses. Fellows also benefit from flexible arrangements that accommodate personal circumstances, such as part-time working, maternity/paternity leave, extended sick leave, and financial support for childcare costs related to research travel and conference participation.
Additionally, URF recipients gain access to a broad range of training, networking events, science policy activities, and schools engagement programs, further enhancing their research careers.
Eligibility Criteria
This fellowship is open to early-career researchers globally. Applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Research Experience: Between three and eight years of postdoctoral research experience by the closing date (career breaks excluded).
- Employment Status: Must not hold a permanent academic post or an equivalent fellowship that establishes independent researcher status.
- Research Discipline: Research must fall within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, including but not limited to physics, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, and biomedical sciences.
- Nationality: Applicants from any country are welcome. Those needing a visa can apply for a Global Talent Visa under the fast-track process.
- Host Organization: Applicants must secure support from a host institution in the UK or Republic of Ireland.
Researchers applying from the Republic of Ireland will be funded by Science Foundation Ireland and must follow SFI-specific eligibility criteria. The Royal Society emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds and providing adjustments for disabled applicants.
Application Timeline
The application window for the 2026 University Research Fellowship will officially open on 15 July 2025 and close on 10 September 2025 here https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research/.
