Study in UK | University Research Fellowship 2026 by the Royal Society

Study in UK | University Research Fellowship 2026 by the Royal Society

The University Research Fellowship (URF) 2026, offered by the Royal Society, is a highly regarded scientific research fellowship that will open its application portal on July 15, 2025. This fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career scientists to establish and grow an independent research career at prominent institutions in the UK or the Republic of Ireland.

The URF is designed to support researchers who have demonstrated a strong potential for leadership in science, encouraging them to pursue innovative research projects. Successful applicants will receive funding to help cover their research costs, which can include salaries, equipment, and other expenses necessary for conducting their work.

By participating in this fellowship, emerging scientists not only gain access to significant financial resources but also join a prestigious network of researchers, opening doors for collaboration and further development in their field. This fellowship aims to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders, making it an invaluable opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in the scientific community.

About the URF Scholarship

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) is specifically designed for early-career researchers who have an ambitious research vision and a determination to be pioneers in their disciplines. Available to candidates from diverse nations and experiences, the fellowship offers a distinct combination of financial support, professional autonomy, and leadership growth over a prolonged eight (08) year duration.

This program is intended to assist outstanding researchers:

• Establish their own research team at a university in the UK or Ireland.
• Engage in groundbreaking, high-impact research with complete intellectual autonomy.
• Gain from comprehensive training in leadership, communication, and science outreach.
• Obtain substantial funding to assist PhD studentships, equipment, travel, and research expenses.

Eligibility Requirements

This fellowship is perfect for you if:

• You possess 3 to 8 years of research experience after completing your PhD (not including official career breaks).
• You do not occupy a permanent academic role.
• You have not maintained a comparable independent research fellowship.
• Your work is connected to the natural sciences, such as biology, biomedical sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, computer science, mathematics, or environmental science.
• You hold any nationality and qualify for a UK Global Talent Visa via a quick endorsement pathway.

Candidates located in the Republic of Ireland will receive funding from Science Foundation Ireland and are required to fulfill particular criteria.

Research Benefits

• Each recipient can obtain as much as £1.87 million throughout eight years, which includes:
• Complete or partial wage coverage
• Research costs (gear, supplies, travel)
• Apprenticeship(s) for PhD candidates’ assistance
• Expenses for relocation and visas for recipients and their families
• Funding assistance for childcare during conferences, sabbaticals, and prolonged leave.

The fellowship offers high flexibility with part-time work options and accommodations for personal life events such as parental leave and career breaks.

Selection Process

The strict multi-stage selection procedure consists of:

• Preliminary eligibility assessment
• Evaluation by a specialized panel from one of the five disciplinary groups.
• Review by peers of the applications that made the longlist.
• Last interview phase for selected candidates.

How to Apply

Click Here to Apply

Application Deadline: 10 September 2025. Applications for this esteemed fellowship will commence on July 15, 2025, and the final selection results will be announced by June 30, 2026.

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