University Research Fellowship

The University Research Fellowship (URF) programme aims to support the next generation of research leaders to undertake cutting-edge research. This scheme is for outstanding scientists who are in the early stages of their research career and have the potential to become leaders in their field. These long-term fellowships provide the opportunity and freedom to build an independent research career in the UK or Republic of Ireland and pursue cutting-edge scientific research. 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 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, and develop as research leaders by offering tailored high-quality professional development, networking and engagement opportunities.