# University Research Fellowship

**Funder:** The Royal Society
**Deadline:** 9 September 2026
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://royalsociety.org/grants/university-research/
**Last verified:** 19 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

University Research Fellowship from the Royal Society, the UK's national academy of sciences. Funds research and fellowships across the natural sciences; most schemes require a UK host institution (some exchange and visiting schemes involve overseas partners). Applications close 9 September 2026.

## Summary

The Royal Society's University Research Fellowship funds early-career researchers to establish independent research groups at UK institutions across the natural sciences. The fellowship covers research costs and salary support, enabling researchers to develop their own research direction following postdoctoral positions. This is a flagship scheme for early-career scientists taking their first independent steps in the UK research system.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers establishing independent research groups for the first time
- Researchers based at UK universities or research institutions
- Scientists across natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, earth sciences, etc.)
- Applicants ready to lead their own research programme and team

## Key dates

- Deadline: 9 September 2026
- Funds research groups at UK host institutions

## Tips for applicants

- The Royal Society prioritises research independence, clearly articulate how your proposed work diverges from and builds on your postdoctoral research.
- Include letters of support from your host institution demonstrating concrete backing (lab space, startup funds, mentoring); the host commitment is scored explicitly.
- Frame your research in terms of long-term direction and capacity building, not just the immediate project; this scheme funds scientific trajectories, not discrete projects.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for a Royal Society University Research Fellowship?

Early-career researchers in the natural sciences establishing their first independent research group at a UK institution.

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

The fellowship covers research costs and salary support to enable researchers to build independent groups and develop their own research direction.

### When is the deadline for the Royal Society University Research Fellowship?

The next deadline is 9 September 2026.

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

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