The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) 2027 is now accepting applications from exceptional early-career scientists who aspire to become the next generation of global research leaders.

Designed to provide long-term support and academic independence, this prestigious fellowship enables talented researchers to establish their own research programmes while conducting innovative scientific research at eligible institutions in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.

With funding of up to £1,907,400 over eight years, the fellowship offers one of the most comprehensive career development opportunities available to early-career researchers. Beyond financial support, fellows gain access to leadership development, networking opportunities, science communication training, public engagement initiatives, and a vibrant community of internationally recognised researchers.

Whether your ambition is to advance fundamental scientific knowledge, pioneer transformative discoveries, or tackle some of society’s greatest challenges, the Royal Society University Research Fellowship provides the resources, stability, and flexibility needed to build a successful independent research career.

The application deadline is 9 September 2026.

About the Royal Society University Research Fellowship

The University Research Fellowship (URF) is one of the Royal Society’s flagship funding programmes dedicated to supporting outstanding scientists at the early stages of their careers.

The programme aims to identify researchers with exceptional scientific potential and provide them with the long-term resources necessary to become internationally recognised research leaders.

Rather than funding a single research project, the fellowship is designed to support an individual’s entire research career development by providing flexibility, independence, and sustained investment.

The fellowship enables recipients to:

• Build an independent research career
• Conduct cutting-edge scientific research
• Develop innovative research programmes
• Lead future research teams
• Gain international recognition within their field
• Contribute solutions to major scientific challenges

The Royal Society believes that providing researchers with long-term support leads to greater scientific innovation and breakthrough discoveries that benefit society globally.

Fellowship Objectives

The programme has several key objectives, including enabling fellows to:

1. Build an independent research career at a UK university or research institution.
2. Pursue ambitious and innovative scientific research with the freedom to develop original ideas.
3. Become internationally recognised leaders within their research disciplines.
4. Receive tailored professional development, leadership training, networking opportunities, and science engagement support.
5. Strengthen the UK’s and Ireland’s research excellence through long-term investment in outstanding scientists.

Fellowship Duration

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship lasts for:

• Eight years

However, continuation into Years 6–8 is subject to satisfactory progress demonstrated through a mid-fellowship review conducted at the beginning of Year 4.

Fellowship Funding

Applicants may request funding of up to:

£1,907,400 over eight years

This substantial funding package is designed to provide comprehensive support for both the fellow and their research programme.

What Does the Fellowship Cover?

Successful applicants can receive funding for a wide range of research-related costs, including:

1. Salary Support

Funding may contribute towards the fellow’s salary throughout the fellowship.

2. Research Expenses

Support is available for:

• Laboratory consumables
• Fieldwork
• Research materials
• Scientific supplies
• Research-related travel
• Conference participation
• Other eligible research expenses

3. Equipment

Funding may be used to purchase equipment necessary for conducting the proposed research.

4. Research Staff

Applicants can receive funding towards:

• Postdoctoral Research Assistants (PDRAs)
• Technical staff
• Research assistants
• PhD studentships

5. Institutional Costs

Funding contributes towards:

• Indirect costs
• Estate costs

6. Relocation and Visa Costs

The fellowship can also support:

• Relocation expenses
• Visa costs
• Costs for partners
• Costs for dependent children

Where appropriately justified, relocation and visa costs may exceed the normal grant cap.

7. Flexible Working Support

The Royal Society recognises that researchers have diverse personal circumstances.

The fellowship therefore includes flexibility for:

• Part-time working
• Sabbaticals
• Secondments
• Maternity leave
• Paternity leave
• Shared parental leave
• Adoption leave
• Extended sick leave

Learn more here

8. Childcare Support

Additional financial assistance is available to help cover childcare costs associated with:

• Conferences
• Research visits

Learn more here

This enables fellows with caring responsibilities to participate fully in professional development opportunities.

Additional Benefits

Beyond financial support, fellows gain access to extensive career development opportunities.

These include:

• Leadership development programmes
• Science communication training
• Public engagement training
• Professional networking
• Research leadership mentoring
• Science policy engagement
• Schools engagement activities
• Collaboration opportunities with leading researchers

These opportunities are designed to help fellows become influential leaders within the global scientific community.

For further detail on these additional benefits, visit the  opportunities page

Research Fields Supported

The fellowship supports research across the Royal Society’s remit within the natural sciences.

Examples include:

• Biological sciences
• Biomedical sciences
• Chemistry
• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Astronomy
• Cosmology
• Earth sciences
• Environmental sciences
• Geosciences
• Computer science
• Statistics
• Communications engineering
• Plant sciences
• Zoology
• Physiology
• Molecular biology
• Cellular biology

Applications spanning interdisciplinary research areas are also welcomed.

For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society

Full funding details can be found in the scheme notes and in the Royal Society Funding Guidance.

Funding Partners

The fellowship is supported through several major funding partners.

United Kingdom Awards

Awards hosted within the UK are funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

Republic of Ireland Awards

Awards hosted in Ireland are funded by: Research Ireland

Tata University Research Fellowships

The Royal Society also acknowledges generous support from Tata companies, including:

• Tata Sons
• Jaguar Land Rover
• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Their contributions help fund the Royal Society Tata University Research Fellowships.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy all eligibility requirements.

These include:

• Holding a PhD.
• Having between three and eight years of post-PhD research experience (excluding eligible career breaks).
• Conducting research within the Royal Society’s supported natural science disciplines.
• Demonstrating outstanding research potential and leadership capability.

Applicants are not eligible if they:

• Already lead an independent research group.
• Hold a tenure-track faculty position.
• Hold a permanent academic appointment.
• Previously received an equivalent nationally competitive fellowship providing long-term independent research funding.

Applicants of all nationalities are encouraged to apply.

Those requiring a visa are eligible to apply for a Global Talent Visa under the fast-track process of endorsement.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The Royal Society strongly encourages applications from researchers of diverse backgrounds, recognising that diversity drives scientific excellence and innovation.

The organisation continually reviews its funding processes to ensure fairness and equal opportunity throughout the assessment process.

Support for Disabled Applicants

The Royal Society provides confidential adjustments throughout the application and interview process.

Support may include:

• Deadline extensions
• Alternative application formats
• Assistance completing applications
• Accessible interview arrangements
• Technical accessibility support
• Additional interview-related costs arising from disability

These adjustments are provided confidentially and are tailored to individual needs.

Changes for the 2027 Competition

For the 2027 funding round, the Royal Society has introduced an important assessment update.

Although the application content remains unchanged, pages 6 to 8 of the application form will now be visible to reviewers beginning at the peer-review stage onwards.

Applicants should therefore ensure these sections are completed carefully and clearly.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted through the Royal Society’s online Flexi-Grant® system.

The assessment process includes:

1. Eligibility screening.
2. Initial review by expert panel members.
3. Independent peer review.
4. Longlisting.
5. Shortlisting.
6. In-person interview at the Royal Society.
7. Final funding recommendations.

Applicants are assigned to one of five specialist Research Appointment Panels according to their scientific discipline. Interdisciplinary proposals receive additional expert review where appropriate.

Assessment Panels

Applications are reviewed by five Research Appointment Panels (Standing Committees) covering:

• Astronomy, Physics, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences
• Chemistry and Engineering
• Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics
• Molecular and Cellular Biology, Zoology, Plant Sciences and Physiology
• Biomedical Sciences

See the ‘Application and assessment process’ page for a general overview of the application and selection steps.

Previous Success Rates

Competition for the fellowship is highly competitive.

Recent statistics show:

These figures highlight the prestige of the University Research Fellowship and the importance of preparing a strong application.

Important Dates

• Applications Open: 14 July 2026
• Application Deadline: 9 September 2026
• Funding Decisions Expected: 31 May 2027

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

1. Review the eligibility requirements carefully.
2. Prepare all required research documentation.
3. Create or log into a Flexi-Grant® account.
4. Complete the online application.
5. Submit the application before 9 September 2026.

APPLY NOW

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the Royal Society’s guidance and tips for applicants prior to submission.

For further questions regarding the scheme, contact the Grants team on urf@royalsociety.org or visit the contact us page.

Additional resources to download:

University Research Fellowship scheme notes
University Research Fellowship scheme notes for Republic of Ireland applicants
Conditions of award for Republic of Ireland applicants
Conditions of Award

Conclusion

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2027 represents one of the world’s most prestigious and generous funding opportunities for early-career scientists. By offering up to £1.9 million over eight years, the fellowship provides the financial stability, academic independence, and professional development needed to transform promising researchers into future scientific leaders.

Whether your expertise lies in biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, biomedical sciences, or another area of the natural sciences, this fellowship offers an exceptional platform to pursue ambitious research, establish your own research programme, and contribute to scientific discoveries that can benefit humanity.

Eligible researchers are strongly encouraged to prepare their applications well in advance and submit them before the 9 September 2026 deadline.

For more Fellowship opportunities, please visit OFY here