University Research Fellowship

The University Research Fellowship (URF) programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research. The objectives of the URF programme are to enable outstanding early career scientists with the potential to become leaders in their field to:

• Build an independent research career at a UK university or research institution

• Gain the freedom, time, and long-term flexible support to pursue high-quality and innovative lines of scientific research
• Develop as research leaders by offering tailored high-quality professional development, networking and engagement opportunities

Fellowships are for eight years, with years six to eight being subject to satisfactory progress demonstrated in a mid-fellowship review at the start of year four.

The Royal Society recognises that diversity is essential for delivering excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and 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 policies and processes to embed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) principles in all aspects of the grant making process and ensure all talented applicants have an equitable chance to succeed as per the assessment criteria.

See below for details of adjustments we can provide for disabled applicants.

Awards for this scheme that are based in the UK are funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Awards based in the Republic of Ireland are funded by Research Ireland.

We are grateful for generous funding from a group of Tata companies, including Tata Sons, Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), for their support towards the Royal Society Tata University Research Fellowships.

What does the scheme offer?

Applicants can apply for up to a maximum of £1,907,400 over eight years.

Funds can cover:

• Contribution to the award holder’s salary
• Indirect and estate costs
• Equipment costs and research expenses including consumables, travel, etc
• Contribution towards research assistance salary and associated indirect and estate costs
• Contribution to staff costs (PDRA, PhD studentships and technical support)
• Relocation and visa costs for the applicants and their dependants (partner and children). The total grant cap may be exceeded in order to cover relocation/visa costs if this is well justified in the application

Full funding details can be found in the scheme notes and in the Royal Society Funding Guidance.

We provide flexibility to accommodate personal circumstances including part-time working, sabbaticals and secondments. There is provision for maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoptive or extended sick leave, as well as financial support for childcare costs that arise from attending conferences and research visits.

Royal Society Research Fellows also have the opportunity to access a range of career development and engagement opportunities including training on leadership, science communication and public engagement, and activities coordinated by our science policy and schools engagement teams. For further detail on these additional benefits, read our opportunities page.

Royal Society awards have made a significant impact on many researchers’ careers. Case studies from grant-holders can be found elsewhere on this page, or read an in-depth report on the careers of our alumni on our Career Pathway Tracker page.

Contact

If you have further questions regarding the scheme, please see the FAQs, contact the Grants team on urf@royalsociety.org or visit our contact us page.