University Research Fellowships Grant

University Research Fellowships Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Royal Society
Last Updated: July 24, 2025

Summary

The University Research Fellowships from The Royal Society are designed for exceptional early-career scientists aiming to establish independent research careers in the UK or Republic of Ireland. These fellowships, lasting eight years, offer essential support for innovative research, professional development, and networking opportunities. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion, the program encourages applications from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, ensuring equitable chances for all talented individuals to excel in their scientific endeavors.

Overview

This scheme is for outstanding scientists who are in the early stages of their research career and have the potential to become leaders in their field. These long term fellowships provide the opportunity and freedom to build an independent research career in the UK or Republic of Ireland and pursue cutting-edge scientific research. About the scheme The University Research Fellowship (URF) programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research. The objectives of the URF programme are to enable outstanding early career scientists with the potential to become leaders in their field to: Build an independent research career at a UK university or research institutionGain the freedom, time, and long-term flexible support to pursue high-quality and innovative lines of scientific researchDevelop as research leaders by offering tailored high-quality professional development, networking and engagement opportunities.Fellowships are for eight years, with years six to eight being subject to satisfactory progress demonstrated in a mid-fellowship review at the start of year four. The Royal Society recognizes that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and wants to encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to maximize innovation and creativity in science for the benefit of humanity. We regularly review and revise policies and processes to embed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles in all aspects of the grant making process and ensure all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per the assessment criteria. Funds can cover: Contribution to the award holder’s salary Indirect and estate costs Equipment costs and research expenses including consumables, travel, etc. Contribution towards research assistance salary and associated indirect and estate costs Support for a new four-year PhD studentship(s) Relocation and visa costs for the applicants and their dependants (partner and children). The total grant cap may be exceeded in order to cover relocation/visa costs if this is well justified in the application

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. This scheme is for you if: You have between three and eight years of research experience, excluding career breaks, since the award of your PhD by the closing date of the round; please refer to the scheme notes for further detail about the review of career breaks You do not hold a permanent post (including proleptic appointment) in a university or not-for-profit research organisation You do not hold, or have not previously held, an equivalent fellowship that provides an opportunity to establish an independent research group and therefore independent researcher status Your research is within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research and biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society. Please ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements before applying.