Deadline: September 9, 2026
Applications are open for the Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowship 2026. This scheme is for outstanding scientists in the Republic of Ireland who are in the early stages of their research career and have the potential to become leaders in their field. The scheme provides the opportunity to build an independent research career. Those appointed are expected to be strong candidates for permanent posts in universities or research bodies at the end of their fellowships.
Successful candidates will be awarded a fellowship by the Royal Society, the cost of which will be met by Research Ireland. Funding will be provided for successful candidates for 8 years, with the final 3 years of funding subject to a mid-point assessment. Fellowships are awarded in all fields of the natural sciences which includes but is not limited to biological research, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics and physics.
Benefits
- The scheme provides a salary contribution based on the Research Ireland Research Fellow scale (Level 3) for the first five years and Senior Research Fellow scale (Level 4) for the remaining three years, and institutional overheads, at 30% of the value of the award (less equipment). Research expenses (up to €90,000 per annum) will also be provided.
Eligibility
The applicant must:
- Have a PhD, applicants who have just submitted their PhD will not be considered.
- Be at an early stage of their research career with between three to eight years of actual research experience since their PhD (i.e. date on which the degree was approved by the board of graduate studies) by the closing date of the round. Career breaks will be taken into consideration (see below for more details).
- Not hold a permanent post in a UK or Republic of Ireland University or not-for-profit organisation.
- Not hold or previously have held a nationally competitive fellowship that provides an opportunity to establish an independent research group and therefore independent researcher status (see Scheme Notes for more details)
The Scheme is open to candidates of all nationalities. There is no longer a requirement for applicants to be a citizen of or have a relevant connection to the European Economic Area or Switzerland.
Application
If you have a question about this scheme, first read the scheme notes which contain more detailed information. If the answer is still not available, you can contact the Royal Society University Research Fellowship team at [email protected] .
Research Ireland advise prospective applicants to use individual and departmental contacts to liaise with current and former URF holders for insights into the application process.
For more information, visit Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowship.
