Looking to establish your research career in the UK or Ireland
The Royal Society University Research Fellowship URF 2025 offers an outstanding opportunity for early-career scientists from around the world. This prestigious fellowship provides generous funding for up to eight years allowing researchers to lead independent projects and develop into future leaders in their field
Whether you specialize in biology physics engineering or other natural sciences this program is designed to support high-impact research while offering strong professional development support through mentoring training and networking
Royal Society University Research Fellowship Program Overview
- Host Countries UK and Republic of Ireland
- Duration Up to 8 years with a review at year 4
- Coverage Fully funded up to £1.87 million
- Application Deadline 10 September 2025
- Eligible Fields Natural sciences such as biology chemistry physics engineering mathematics biomedical science
- Who Can Apply Researchers from any country meeting the criteria
Fellowship Benefits
The URF offers more than just research funding. Here is what selected fellows receive
- PhD Studentship Covers the cost of hiring a four-year PhD researcher
- Relocation & Visa Support Includes costs for moving and visa applications for both the fellow and their dependents
- Research Costs Budget for lab equipment experiments fieldwork software and travel
- Institutional Support Funding for university facilities and indirect costs
- Research Staff Salary Allows for hiring additional staff or assistants
- Fellow’s Salary Provides a contribution to your own income so you can focus on your research full-time
- Professional Development Access to mentoring leadership training and networking events
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying ensure you meet the following conditions
- You must have between 3 and 8 years of post-PhD research experience career breaks not counted against this
- You must not hold a permanent academic post or a fellowship that leads to one
- You cannot already hold an independent research fellowship
- Your research area must be part of the natural sciences
- You must be eligible for a UK Global Talent Visa or the equivalent in Ireland
- Applicants in Ireland will be funded through Science Foundation Ireland SFI – check the specific guidance for Irish candidates
Selection Process
The fellowship application goes through multiple steps to ensure fairness and quality
- Panel assignment based on your research area
- Eligibility check by the Royal Society team
- Review by subject-area experts
- Longlisting of competitive proposals
- Independent peer review
- Interview shortlisting
- Panel interviews
- Final decision and funding offers
Application Process
The URF 2025 application must be submitted online through the official Royal Society application portal. You will need to prepare a detailed research proposal CV and letters of support. Ensure all documents align with the guidelines provided
Important Note Start early as preparing a strong proposal gathering references and confirming institutional support can take time
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