University Research Fellowship

This scheme is for outstanding scientists who are in the early stages of their research career and have the potential to become leaders in their field. These long term fellowships provide the opportunity and freedom to build an independent research career in the UK or Republic of Ireland and pursue cutting-edge scientific research.

This scheme is closed to applications

The University Research Fellowship scheme is now closed for applications. This scheme will next open to applications on 12 July 2022 and close on 6 September 2022 at 3pm UK time.

The scheme offers you:

the opportunity to build an independent research career
freedom, time and long term flexible support to pursue high-quality and innovative lines of scientific research
support to develop as a research leader by offering tailored, high-quality professional development, networking and engagement opportunities
flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances such as caring responsibilities or health related needs

This scheme is highly flexible to accommodate for part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments. There is also provision for maternity, paternity, adoptive or extended sick leave (PDF).

Am I eligible to apply?

Research must be within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences, which includes but is not limited to biological research, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics. Applications within a biomedical sciences remit will be eligible to apply for the University Research Fellowship from the round opening in 2021 onwards. For a full list, please see the breakdown of subject groups and areas supported by the Royal Society.

Those applying from Ireland (ROI) are funded by Science Foundation Ireland and will need to read the eligibility requirements in the specific scheme notes. Further details regarding the Royal Society - Science Foundation Ireland University Research Fellowship for applicants based in the Republic of Ireland will be provided on this page as soon as possible.

You can apply for this scheme if you:

have between three to eight years of research experience since your PhD by the closing date of the round. Career breaks are taken into account; please refer to the scheme notes for further detail
do not hold a permanent post (including proleptic or rolling contract of employment) in a university or not for profit research organisation
do not hold, or have not previously held, an equivalent fellowship that provides an opportunity to establish an independent research group and therefore independent researcher status

For further information about how to apply, read the FAQs (PDF).

Before applying, please ensure that you meet all eligibility requirements laid out in the scheme notes.

What is the scheme’s value and duration?

Funding is initially provided for five years with the opportunity to apply for an extension of an additional three years.

The scheme provides:

Research Fellows salary: 80% of the basic salary costs up to £41,340 in the first year, estates costs and indirect costs
Contribution to research expenses of £13,000 in year one and £11,000 per year thereafter

Read the scheme notes for full value of award information.

University Research Fellows have the opportunity to access a range of training programmes covering topics including leadership, science communication and public engagement. Furthermore, opportunities arise throughout the year for University Research Fellows to meet with other award holders and participate in activities coordinated by the science policy, public engagement, schools outreach and industry engagement teams at the Society. For further details relating to the additional benefits of holding a Royal Society Research Fellowship, read our summary page.

What is the application process?

Applications should be submitted through the Society’s grant management system Flexi-Grant®.

Your application will go through the process detailed on the Making a grant application page overseen by one of our research appointment panels based on your research area. For further information on the Research Appointment Panels, please see our Standing Committees page.

Interviews will be held in April at the Royal Society - you are advised to keep this period free. You will be notified of the result of the application process in May.

The Royal Society recognises that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Society wants to encourage applications from the widest range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to maximise innovation and creativity in science for the benefit of humanity. We regularly review and revise processes to help ensure that all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per the assessment criteria. This includes ensuring all panel members are briefed on unconscious bias in decision making as part of the assessment process.

Please note a new statement for applicants on the impacts of COVID-19 has been released on our website.

Support for applicants with disabilities

The Royal Society welcomes applications from scientists with disabilities and provides adjustments to ensure that they can participate fully in the selection process. If you need an adjustment when accessing the application form, attending interviews, or for any other part of the application process, please contact the Grants team on urf@royalsociety.org or +44 20 7451 2666. Adjustments can include, but are not limited to:

extension of the deadline
additional support to complete the application form
technical support during interviews for candidates with hearing or visual impairments
support during interviews for neurodiverse candidates and those with mental health conditions.

For more information regarding the scheme, please contact the Grants team on urf@royalsociety.org or call us on +44 20 7451 2666.

Below, you can read case studies from our University Research Fellows. You can also read an in-depth report on the career pathways of our alumni on the Career Pathway Tracker page.