# Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2026

**Funder:** Royal Society
**Budget:** 5-year fellowship (salary + research expenses), extendable to 8
**Deadline:** 9 September 2026 (Round opens 14 Jul 2026, closes 9 Sep 2026)
**Duration:** 5 years (extendable to 8)
**Consortium:** No — individual fellowship at a UK / Republic of Ireland host
**Application:** Single-stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-07
**Eligible countries:** GB, IE
**Official call:** https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) is the Royal Society's flagship early-career fellowship (3-8y post-PhD) in the natural sciences, hosted at a UK or Republic of Ireland institution.

## Summary

The Royal Society University Research Fellowship funds early-career researchers (3-8 years post-PhD) to establish independent research groups at UK or Republic of Ireland institutions, with a 5-year fellowship covering salary and research expenses, extendable to 8 years. This is the Royal Society's flagship early-career scheme across the natural sciences. The call runs annually with applications open from mid-July.

## Who should apply

- Researchers 3-8 years post-PhD
- Scientists in natural sciences disciplines
- Applicants with a confirmed host institution in the UK or Republic of Ireland
- Researchers ready to establish an independent research group

## Key dates

- Application round opens 14 July 2026, closes 9 September 2026
- Single-stage evaluation
- 5-year fellowship duration, extendable to 8 years

## Tips for applicants

- The Royal Society prioritises independence from your PhD/postdoc supervisor, demonstrate a distinct research direction in your proposal.
- Include a clear plan for establishing your group and mentoring; the scheme funds not just research but leadership development.
- Host institution commitment is essential; secure letters of support from your department early in the application window.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the Royal Society University Research Fellowship cover?

The fellowship covers salary and research expenses over 5 years, with the option to extend to 8 years.

### Who is eligible for the Royal Society URF?

Researchers 3-8 years post-PhD in the natural sciences, hosted at a UK or Republic of Ireland institution.

### When is the deadline for the Royal Society URF 2026?

The application round opens 14 July 2026 and closes 9 September 2026.

### Is the Royal Society URF a recurring call?

Yes, the scheme runs annually with the next round opening July 2027.

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