Royal Society UK University Research Fellowship 2026: (Deadline 10 September 2025)

Description

The Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship (URF) stands as one of the UK’s most prestigious early-career funding schemes in the natural sciences. With a mission to empower the next generation of scientific leaders, the URF offers outstanding researchers the freedom, time, and support needed to pursue high-impact, independent research in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.

For the 2026 fellowship intake, applications will open on 15 July 2025 and close on 10 September 2025. Final decisions will be announced by 30 June 2026.

Degree Level

Royal Society UK University Research Fellowship 2026 is available to undertake Fellowship level programs at UK Universities.

Available Subjects

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• All Subjects

Benefits

1. Duration: 8 years (with renewal review at year 4)
2. Funding Cap: Up to £1.87 million over the full period
3. What’s Covered:
4. Contribution to the fellow’s salary
5. Research expenses, including consumables and travel
6. Equipment costs
7. Salary support for research assistants
8. PhD studentship funding (4 years)
9. Relocation and visa costs for the researcher and dependants
10. Support for parental leave, extended sick leave, and childcare expenses for conferences

Career Development and Flexibility

In addition to financial support, the Royal Society provides:

1. Access to leadership and communication training
2. Opportunities in science policy and public engagement
3. Flexible arrangements for part-time work, sabbaticals, and career breaks

This structure not only supports the researcher’s current work but also equips them with tools to advance long-term scientific careers.

Eligible Nationalities

This scholarship is open to applicants of all nationalities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Hold a PhD with 3 to 8 years of postdoctoral research experience (excluding career breaks)
2. Not currently hold a permanent academic post
3. Not have previously held an equivalent fellowship granting independent research group status
4. Must be conducting research within natural sciences, as defined by the Royal Society
5. Open to all nationalities
6. Non-UK applicants are eligible and may apply under the Global Talent Visa fast-track route
7. Those applying from Ireland will be funded by Science Foundation Ireland and must follow specific eligibility criteria

Application Procedure

Application and Assessment Process

Applications are submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® system. The multi-stage evaluation includes:

1. Eligibility checks
2. Initial panel reviews by two scientific experts
3. Independent peer reviews for longlisted candidates
4. Shortlisting for interviews
5. Final interviews held in-person at the Royal Society headquarters in London

Panels are divided by discipline:

1. Panel Ai: Physics, Earth sciences, cosmology, environmental sciences
2. Panel Aii: Chemistry, engineering
3. Panel Aiii: Mathematics, computer science, theoretical physics
4. Panel Bi: Biology, plant sciences, zoology
5. Panel Bii: Biomedical sciences

Timeline Summary – University Research Fellowship 2026

1. Applications Open: 15 July 2025
2. Application Deadline: 10 September 2025
3. Interview Invitations (shortlisted applicants): Early 2026
4. Interviews Conducted: Spring 2026
5. Final Decision Announcement: By 30 June 2026

Commitment to Equity and Accessibility

The Royal Society places strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout the selection process. Disabled applicants are encouraged to request adjustments and will be supported with confidentiality and care.

Adjustments can include:

1. Deadline extensions
2. Alternative formats of the application
3. Support at interview stages, including accessibility software or interpreters
4. Coverage of additional costs related to disability for attending interviews

Why This Fellowship Matters

The Royal Society URF is more than a grant; it’s a gateway to academic independence. For hundreds of past recipients, this fellowship has marked the beginning of impactful research careers, often leading to tenured positions, international recognition, and scientific breakthroughs.