The scheme provides the opportunity to build an independent research career. Those appointed are expected to be strong candidates for permanent posts in universities at the end of their fellowships.
The scheme covers all areas of the life and physical sciences, including engineering, but excluding clinical medicine.
Eligibility requirements
The applicant must:
- have a PhD or equivalent research experience (note we will not consider applicants who have just submitted their PhD)
- be at an early to mid-stage of their career (between 3 to 8 years of research experience since their PhD) at the time of submission
- not hold a permanent post in a university or not-for-profit organisation in the European Economic Area (EEA)
- be a citizen of the EEA or a be a Swiss citizen (or have a relevant connection to the EEA or Switzerland)
The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of the European Union (including the UK) plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein.
Applicants should ensure that they meet all the eligibility requirements, which are explained in the scheme notes (PDF).
Value and tenure
The scheme provides funding to cover the applicant’s salary costs, estates costs and indirect costs. Under the full economic costing model, 80% of these costs will be met by the Royal Society. Research expenses (up to £13,000 for the first year and up to £11,000 annually thereafter) will also be provided.
Initially funding is provided for five years. It may then be followed by an extension of three years or, in exceptional circumstances, up to a maximum of 10 years. The University Research Fellowship provides researchers with maximum flexibility and can be held part-time, and allows sabbaticals, secondments or international experience.
The basic salary requested should be at a level commensurate with the applicant’s skills, responsibilities, expertise and experience, up to a maximum of £37,555.
An annual spine point increase of 3% may be applied to the salary.
No indexation should be applied to the salary; the Society will apply an annual inflationary increase to the salary of successful awards. The level of inflation applied will be determined by HM Treasury’s GDP deflator. This will be reviewed on an annual basis and the value of awards amended in line with increases or decreases in the GDP deflator.
Application process
Applications are initially reviewed and then shortlisted by members of University Research Fellowship Selection Panel . Applicants are notified if they have reached the shortlisting stage by December.
The shortlisted proposals are reviewed by three independent referees suggested by the panel members and successful applicants are shortlisted for interview. Applicants are informed of the result of this stage in February/March and interviews take place in late March/April.
The final decision is made at a meeting of the panel chairs in April, and applicants are notified of the result in early May.
Please note that interviews for the fellowships are held at the Royal Society. Applicants are asked to keep April free. Only applicants that pass the other stages of assessment will be invited.