The University Research Fellowship (URF) is one of the most prestigious scientific research fellowships in the world, designed for outstanding early-career scientists who have the potential to become future leaders in their field. Open to applicants from all countries and backgrounds, the fellowship provides a unique blend of financial backing, career independence, and leadership development over an eight-year period.

What the Fellowship Covers (up to £1.87M over 8 years):

• Up to 80% of basic salary costs for the fellow, with the remaining 20% typically provided by the host university
• Research costs and equipment
• Travel and conference funding
• Relocation and visa costs for the fellow and their dependants
• Years six to eight are subject to satisfactory progress demonstrated at a mid-fellowship review at the start of year four

What You'll Do: The URF programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research, build an independent research career in the UK or Republic of Ireland, and develop as leaders in their field.

Requirements:

• Between 3 and 8 years of postdoctoral research experience (excluding career breaks) since the award of your PhD by the closing date
• Must not hold a permanent post in a university or not-for-profit research organisation
• Must not hold, or have previously held, an equivalent independent fellowship
• Research must fall within the Royal Society's remit of the natural sciences — including mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, and engineering (social sciences and humanities are not eligible unless clearly aligned with natural sciences)
• Open to all nationalities — those requiring a visa are eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa under a fast-track endorsement process

Key Dates:

• Applications open: 14 July 2026
• Application deadline: 9 September 2026
• Fellowship start: between October 2026 and January 2027
• Decision announced: by 31 May 2027