Royal Society University Research Fellowship
Eight-year fellowship for early career natural scientists to build an independent research career in the UK or Republic of Ireland, with years six to eight subject to a mid-fellowship review. The proposal sets out a five-year plan within an eight-year vision.
Scheme details
- Funding range
- Up to £1,907,400 over 8 years (2027 round); salary and indirect costs at 80%, research expenses at 100%, with at least £30,000 a year of research expenses expected
- Career stage
- Early career
- Scheme type
- Individual
- Eligibility
- 3 to 8 years of research experience since the PhD at the closing date, allowing for career breaks. Any nationality. Not for those who lead a group, hold a permanent or tenure-track post (including proleptic), or hold or have held an equivalent fellowship such as a UKRI FLF.
- Format & limits
- Research proposal: 4 sides of A4 including figures and references (or 2,000 words as text); Abstract: 400 words; Lay summary: 250 words; Personal statement: 500 words; Current research: 200 words; Key publications: up to 20, 1,000 words
- Deadline
- Upcoming URF 2027: closed 9 September 2026, decisions May 2027 · URF 2028 not yet announced; expected to open July 2027 and close September 2027 (est.)
View official scheme page
https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research/
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Last updated: 2026-09-24
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