Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2024-25: Fully Funded Opportunity for Early Career Researchers in the UK

Applications for the Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2024-25 are now open. This fellowship is aimed at scientists in the early stages of their careers, providing them with the support needed to develop as future research leaders. The program offers long-term, flexible funding and gives fellows the freedom to pursue innovative, high-quality research. It’s a fantastic opportunity to carry out research in the UK, especially for those looking to advance in their scientific careers.

The fellowship is fully funded, with applicants eligible to receive up to £1.87 million over eight years. A progress review will be conducted in the fourth year to determine the fellowship's continuation through the sixth to eighth years. This prestigious fellowship is a great way to secure an independent research career in the UK or Ireland.

Fellows will receive not only financial support but also professional development opportunities, including networking and engagement activities. The Royal Society encourages diversity, welcoming applications from people of all backgrounds, as it believes that inclusion leads to excellence in STEM fields.

Here are the research areas covered by the Royal Society Research Fellowship:

• Astronomy and Cosmology
• Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences
• Physics and Physical Sciences
• Geosciences
• Chemistry and Engineering
• Pure and Applied Mathematics
• Statistics
• Computer Science and Communications
• Computer Engineering
• Mathematical Aspects of Astronomy
• Physics, Gravitation, and Theoretical Physics
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Zoology, Plant Sciences, and Physiology
• Biomedical Sciences

Eligibility Criteria 

• Applicants must have 3 to 8 years of research experience since completing their PhD, not counting any career breaks.
• They should not hold any permanent positions at major universities or non-profit research institutions.
• Applicants should not have previously received a similar fellowship that helps them start an independent research group.
• The research must fall within the Royal Society’s supported fields, such as natural sciences, biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics.
• Applicants of any nationality can apply, and those needing a visa can use the fast-track process for a Global Talent Visa.
• For applicants from Ireland (ROI), Science Foundation Ireland provides funding. They must check the eligibility rules in the scheme notes.

Benefits 

• This is a fully funded fellowship where fellows can receive up to £1.87 million over eight years.
• The funding can be used for part of the fellow’s salary, research costs, equipment, travel, and indirect costs like estate fees.
• It also covers relocation and visa expenses for the fellow and their family (partner and children). Plus, it supports new four-year PhD studentships.
• The fellowship offers flexibility for personal circumstances, allowing for part-time work, sabbaticals, and secondments.
• Fellows can take maternity, paternity, shared parental, adoptive, or extended sick leave, with additional funding for childcare during conferences or research trips.
• Fellows have access to career development opportunities, including training in leadership, science communication, and public engagement.
• This fellowship has transformed many researchers' careers and offers a great opportunity to conduct research in the UK.

Application Process:

Interested in applying for the Royal Society University Research Fellowship 2024? Simply click the ‘apply now’ button below. Applications must be submitted through the Flexi-Grant system.

Applications are reviewed by one of five Research Appointment Panels, depending on the research area. After eligibility checks, at least two experts in the field will assess the applications. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an in-person interview at the Royal Society.

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