The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) 2026 is one of the UK’s leading early-career research funding opportunities in the natural sciences. It is designed to support outstanding scientists by giving them the independence and resources to lead their own research programs at a UK or Republic of Ireland university.
Location: United Kingdom
Degree Level: Fellowship (Postdoctoral)
Fields of Study: All Subjects (Natural Sciences Focus)
Eligible Nationalities: All International and Domestic Students
Funding Type: Partial Funding
Application Deadline: 10 September 2025
Opens: 15 July 2025
Fellowship Benefits
Duration: 8 years (reviewed at year 4)
Total Funding: Up to £1.87 million
What the Fellowship Covers:
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Salary contribution for the fellow
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Research expenses, including consumables and travel
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Equipment and infrastructure costs
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Salary for research assistants
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PhD studentship funding (4 years)
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Relocation and visa expenses for the fellow and dependants
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Support for parental leave, long-term sick leave, and childcare costs related to conferences
Career Development Support
Beyond funding, the fellowship offers:
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Leadership and communication training
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Engagement in science policy and public outreach
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Flexible work arrangements, including part-time roles, sabbaticals, and career breaks
This support framework is designed to strengthen the fellow’s current research and future academic career.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the URF 2026, applicants must:
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Hold a PhD with 3 to 8 years of postdoctoral research experience (excluding any career breaks)
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Not currently hold a permanent academic position
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Not have previously received an independent research fellowship
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Be conducting research in the natural sciences as defined by the Royal Society
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Be of any nationality
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Non-UK citizens can apply through the Global Talent Visa fast-track route
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Applicants based in Ireland will be funded by Science Foundation Ireland and must meet additional eligibility guidelines
Application Process
Applications are submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant® portal. The process includes several stages:
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Eligibility screening
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Review by two subject-specific panel members
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Peer review for longlisted candidates
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Shortlisting
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Final interviews conducted at the Royal Society headquarters in London
Disciplinary Review Panels:
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Panel Ai: Physics, Earth Sciences, Cosmology, Environmental Sciences
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Panel Aii: Chemistry, Engineering
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Panel Aiii: Mathematics, Computer Science, Theoretical Physics
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Panel Bi: Biology, Plant Sciences, Zoology
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Panel Bii: Biomedical Sciences
Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 15 July 2025 |
| Application Deadline | 10 September 2025 |
| Interview Invitations | Early 2026 |
| Interviews Conducted | Spring 2026 |
| Final Decision Announcement | By 30 June 2026 |
Equity, Diversity, and Accessibility
The Royal Society promotes inclusive practices throughout the selection process. Applicants with disabilities can request adjustments, such as:
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Extended application deadlines
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Accessible formats for application materials
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Support during interviews, including interpreters or assistive technology
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Reimbursement for additional disability-related expenses
All requests are treated confidentially and with respect.
Why This Fellowship Matters
The University Research Fellowship is more than just a funding opportunity—it’s a launchpad for scientific independence. Many past fellows have progressed to tenured academic roles, led major research projects, and achieved international recognition. If you’re ready to take your scientific career to the next level, this fellowship provides the platform to do so.
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