# Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowship

**Funder:** Research Ireland
**Deadline:** 9 September 2026 (15:00 local Irish time)
**Duration:** Up to 8 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** IE
**Official call:** https://www.researchireland.ie/funding/royal-society-university/
**Last verified:** 19 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For outstanding scientists in the Republic of Ireland in the early stages of their research career with potential to become leaders in their field. Applicants must be based at a host institution in the Republic of Ireland.

## Summary

The Royal Society, Research Ireland University Research Fellowship funds early-career researchers in Ireland with the potential to lead independent research groups, supporting projects up to eight years. The scheme targets outstanding scientists in the early stages of their career across all disciplines, hosted at institutions in the Republic of Ireland. This annual call offers a pathway for promising researchers to establish themselves as field leaders.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers with demonstrated research excellence
- Scientists based at institutions in the Republic of Ireland
- Researchers with potential to become leaders in their field
- Applicants across all disciplines

## Key dates

- Deadline 9 September 2026 at 15:00 local Irish time
- Single-stage application
- Up to 8-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Emphasise your trajectory toward research leadership and unique contribution to your field, panels screen for future potential, not just current output.
- Frame the research plan around independence: show how this fellowship lets you diverge from your PhD/postdoc supervisor's agenda.
- Include evidence of research excellence relative to career stage; publications, awards, and recognition all signal fit for this scheme.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the Royal Society, Research Ireland University Research Fellowship?

Early-career researchers with outstanding research potential, based at an institution in the Republic of Ireland, across all disciplines.

### How long does the fellowship last?

Up to 8 years.

### Is this an annual call?

Yes, the call runs annually with a September deadline.

### Do I have to be Irish to apply?

No, but you must be based at a host institution in the Republic of Ireland at the time of application.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/research-ireland-royal-society-research-ireland-university-research-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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