University Research Fellowships

  • Start Date:

  • Deadline:

  • Agency:
    Royal Society

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR), KNUST announces the University Research Fellowship (URF) funded by the Royal Society. This program supports outstanding early career scientists with the potential to become future research leaders, providing long-term flexible funding to pursue high-quality and innovative research in the natural sciences.

Key Highlights:

  • Funder: Royal Society

  • Award Amount: Up to £1.87 million over 8 years

  • Application Deadline: Check current rounds on the Royal Society website

  • Eligible Applicants: Early Career Researchers with 3–8 years post-PhD experience; Any nationality; Must not hold a permanent post or equivalent independent fellowship

  • Career Stage: Early Career and Emerging in Field

  • Disciplines: Biology; Biomedical Sciences; Chemistry; Engineering; Environmental Sciences; Physics; Astronomy; Mathematics; Computer Science; Statistics

Summary:

The University Research Fellowship aims to:

  • Enable early career researchers to build an independent research career at a UK university or research institution

  • Provide freedom, time, and long-term support to pursue innovative lines of scientific research

  • Develop research leaders through professional development, networking, and engagement opportunities

  • Cover costs including salary, research expenses, equipment, PhD studentships, and relocation/visa support for the applicant and dependants

  • Offer flexibility for personal circumstances, including part-time work, sabbaticals, parental leave, and disability adjustments

Applications are submitted via Flexi-Grant® and assessed by expert panels according to scientific excellence, innovation, and potential for the applicant to become an independent research leader. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an in-person interview as part of the selection process.