The Royal Society · Application cycle 2027
Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF)
Read in the glossary
About this scholarship
A prestigious fellowship scheme for outstanding early-career scientists who have the potential to become leaders in their field within natural sciences and engineering.
Funding type
Up to £1,907,400 over 8 years, covering the fellow's salary, research staff (PhD students & PDRAs), equipment, consumables, travel, relocation/visa costs for the fellow and dependants, and institutional overheads.
- Tuition fees
- Not specified
- Living costs
- Partially covered
- Travel
- Covered
- Insurance
- Not specified
Eligibility requirements
- Nationalities
- All nationalities
- Residence condition
- Residence not mentioned
Applicants must hold a PhD with 3–8 years of post-doctoral research experience, propose research within natural sciences (not social sciences, humanities, or clinical medical research), must not hold a permanent or tenure-track academic post or a previous equivalent independent fellowship, must not already lead a research group or be PI on an external award, and must have host institution support.
- Minimum grade
- Not stated
- Work experience asked for
- 36 months
- Return condition
- Return condition not stated
- How to apply
- Straight to the provider
Language requirements and exemptions
Language test not mentioned
High academic English proficiency is required to prepare the proposal, complete references, and participate in the in-person panel interview.
University admission details
Required before applying?University admissionA university’s offer of a place in a program. University admission and scholarship funding may be separate decisions.
Read in the glossary
Requires an official supporting statement from the Head of Department at the host UK/Irish institution guaranteeing lab space, equipment, and research infrastructure.
Required documents
Research proposal (5-year plan, 8-year vision, 4 pages), CV and publication list, Head of Department support statement, staff/PhD training plan, and one nominated referee statement submitted via Flexi-Grant®
Application steps
Secure a host department at an eligible UK/Irish institution and agree on institutional support. Register and complete the application on the Royal Society Flexi-Grant® portal. Invite the Head of Department and your nominated referee to submit statements via Flexi-Grant® prior to the deadline (September). Shortlisted candidates attend an in-person interview at the Royal Society in London.
Requirement checklist
Host Institution Statement of Support Required
An official statement from the Head of Department at the UK/Irish host institution confirming lab space and facilities.
Detailed Research Proposal & Methodology Required
Comprehensive proposal detailing research vision, methodology, timeline, and justification for requested staff, equipment, and travel costs.
Nominated Referee Statement Required
Reference submitted in English via Flexi-Grant® by a referee who has worked closely with the candidate (e.g. PhD or postdoc supervisor), assessing the candidate's track record and research leadership potential. The referee must not be a named collaborator in the application, a panel member, or a member of the Royal Society Council.
Scholarship contacts
Contacting Scholarship: [email protected] · Contact form (opens in a new tab)