Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026 – £1.87M Funding for Future Research Leaders
The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) is one of the UK’s most prestigious and competitive early-career research awards. Designed for outstanding scientists in the natural sciences, the fellowship provides long-term, flexible funding and training to help researchers establish independence, develop leadership, and pursue innovative, high-impact science.
Application Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 15 July 2025 |
| Deadline to Apply | 10 September 2025 |
| Final Decision Announced | By 30 June 2026 |
| Fellowship Start (Expected) | Academic Year 2026/27 |
Fellowship Objectives
The URF program is designed to:
- Support researchers to build an independent research career
- Provide long-term salary and project support
- Foster leadership potential through tailored development and training
- Encourage cross-disciplinary innovation and global engagement
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (EDI) across UK science
What Does It Offer?
Total Value:
- Up to £1.87 million over 8 years
Duration:
- Initial 5 years + possible 3-year extension (based on review)
Funding Covers:
- PI salary contribution
- Research costs (equipment, consumables, travel)
- Staff support (e.g. research assistants or PhDs)
- Indirect/estate costs for host institution
- Visa & relocation costs for awardee and dependents
- Childcare-related conference travel support
- Full flexibility for career breaks, sabbaticals, or part-time work
Optional:
- Support for new PhD studentship(s) (up to 4 years)
Who Should Apply?
The scheme is open internationally to early-career researchers who:
✅ Have 3–8 years post-PhD research experience (excluding breaks)
✅ Do not hold a permanent academic post
✅ Have not previously held a fellowship granting research independence
✅ Work in Royal Society’s natural sciences remit, including:
- Biology and biomedical science
- Chemistry and materials science
- Engineering
- Physics, maths, astronomy, computer science
- Earth, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences
Global Talent Visa fast-track endorsement is available.
Host Institution Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be hosted by a UK or Republic of Ireland university or not-for-profit institution
- Obtain strong institutional support (documented via a Head of Department statement)
- NEW: From 2026, the HoD support letter will be visible to the applicant before submission
Support for Diversity & Disability
The Royal Society actively promotes EDI and provides:
- Deadline extensions, if needed
- Alternative application formats (e.g., Word doc)
- Interview adjustments (accessibility tech, extended time, support staff)
- Childcare or travel expense coverage for research events
If you’re a disabled applicant, confidential assistance is available via:
📧 [email protected] | ☎️ +44 20 7451 2666
Application and Review Process
Step-by-Step:
- Apply via Flexi-Grant® portal
- Internal eligibility check by the Royal Society
- Assigned to 1 of 5 Research Panels (based on field)
- Initial Review by 2+ field experts
- External Peer Review (if longlisted)
- Shortlisting and in-person interviews
- Final decision by June 2026
Research Panels Include:
- Ai: Astronomy, physics, earth sciences
- Aii: Chemistry and engineering
- Aiii: Mathematics, computer science, theoretical physics
- Bi: Molecular biology, zoology, physiology
- Bii: Biomedical sciences
Recent Scheme Changes
✅ More transparency: Applicants can now read HoD support letters
✅ Enhanced host guidance: Universities receive better instruction on how to support fellows
✅ More flexible budgeting for relocation and research assistance
✅ Stronger EDI emphasis across review panels
Career Development Benefits
Royal Society URFs get access to:
- Leadership & science communication training
- Public engagement platforms
- Policy contribution opportunities
- STEM education outreach
- Networking events with other fellows and alumni
View case studies:
🔹 [Dr. Amelie Saintonge – URF, Astrophysics]
🔹 [Dr. Asel Sartbaeva – University of Bath]
🔹 [Prof. Rahul Nair – Nanomaterials Researcher]
FAQs – URF Fellowship
Q1: Can I apply if I’ve already completed a major fellowship?A: No. If you’ve held a previous award granting research independence (e.g., ERC Starting Grant, UKRI Future Leader), you are not eligible.
Q2: What if I’ve taken parental or sick leave during my career?A: No problem. The Royal Society considers career breaks and allows flexibility in how your 3–8 years post-PhD window is calculated.
Q3: Is this fellowship renewable after eight years?A: No. The URF provides non-renewable funding for up to 8 years, with years 6–8 contingent on a satisfactory mid-term review in year 4.
Q4: Is there any relocation support for international applicants?A: Yes. The grant can exceed the £1.87M cap to cover justified relocation and visa costs for you and your dependents.
Q5: Do I need to find a host institution before applying?A: Yes. You must secure a commitment from a UK or ROI university or research institution, including a Head of Department support letter, before applying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an early-career scientist ready to launch an independent research career, the Royal Society URF 2026 offers a powerful platform—complete with funding, flexibility, mentorship, and prestige.
Apply now and become part of a network that includes some of the UK’s most influential scientists and changemakers.
👉 Deadline: 10 September 2025
🔗 Visit Official Page & Apply