What is a Royal Society University Research Fellowship?
The Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) provides four years of funding for talented early-career researchers from Black heritage backgrounds to pursue independent research in applied and natural sciences. Fellows benefit from the flexibility and resources needed to develop as research leaders in their field while working within a supportive, world-leading research environment at The University of Manchester.
The fellowship is primarily hosted in departments across the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Early discussion with your department is strongly recommended to confirm suitability and sponsorship.
Key information
Institutional deadline: This fellowship is subject to an internal deadline. The deadline for this fellowship has now passed and no new applications will be accepted for the current call.
Call deadline: Closed.
Eligibility:
- Self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including mixed Black background
- UK national or have completed part of your education in the UK (Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD) or held a postdoctoral position in the UK
- Hold a PhD, or will have one by the start of the funding
- Less than 24 months postdoctoral experience
- Research must fall within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences.
Funding and duration: Four years of support for independent research, with a maximum award of up to £690,000.
Before you apply: To help you develop a competitive proposal, we encourage prospective applicants to contact us well ahead of the funder’s deadline. Early conversations can:
- Identify potential academic sponsors
- Ensure your research vision aligns with Manchester’s strengths.
Benefits of the Royal Society University Research Fellowship
University Research Fellows receive four years of funding to establish an independent research profile in applied and natural sciences at The University of Manchester.
Manchester supports researchers at all career stages, promoting equality of opportunity and offering guidance on fellowship applications, funding routes and support for childcare or other responsibilities. Fellows join a vibrant research environment with access to world-leading facilities and collaborative expertise.
As a Fellow at Manchester, you’ll benefit from:
- World-leading research facilities and laboratories
- Opportunities for national and international collaboration
- Access to dynamic research communities and specialist equipment
- Tailored mentoring, support with grant applications, and professional development.
Application process
Confirm that you meet the fellowship’s eligibility criteria before preparing an application.
To apply, you must:
- Self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including mixed Black background
- Be a UK national or have completed part of your education in the UK or held a postdoctoral position in the UK
- Hold a PhD, or expect to submit your thesis before the award begins
- Have less than 24 months postdoctoral experience
- Conduct research within the Royal Society’s remit of natural sciences.
You must contact a department well in advance of the funder deadline to confirm support and understand any internal requirements. Some departments may operate additional internal processes or provide tailored support for fellowship applicants, including internal selection before submission.
Contact:
- For advice on departmental fit and internal processes, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer.
If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department\’s Head of Research for further guidance. - For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.
As part of this initial engagement, you may be asked to discuss:
- Your proposed fellowship project
- Its alignment with departmental priorities.
Be prepared to share:
- A CV
- A brief outline of your proposed fellowship project.
Early engagement helps to confirm departmental fit, identify appropriate sponsors and allow time for any required internal review.
Once departmental support is confirmed, you can prepare your application for submission to the funder. Applications are submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant system.
A typical application includes:
- Research proposal
- Justification of resources
- CV and track record
- Host statement from The University of Manchester
- References (as required by the scheme).
Please note that Manchester’s internal review process may require materials several weeks before the funder's deadline.
After submission, your application will be assessed by the Royal Society.
This typically includes:
- External peer review
- Shortlisting by the funder's panels
- Interviews for selected candidates.
Final funding decisions are made by the Royal Society shortly after interviews. Successful candidates will then agree start dates with their host institution.
What our fellows say
"The URF is a privileged position that permits me to focus on doing what I do, encourages me to branch out and take risks, and supports me throughout."
Dr Finn Box / Royal Society University Research Fellow
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because the University must prepare a host statement and complete internal quality checks, we typically require applicants to submit draft materials several weeks before the funder's official deadline. Exact timelines vary by department, so contact your potential supervisor early to confirm dates.
Search Research Explorer to identify a potential supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposed project, then contact them directly to discuss your application.
Prospective applicants receive support identifying an academic sponsor, refining their research proposal and navigating internal review. You’ll also have access to guidance on developing a competitive fellowship application, feedback from senior academics, and information about facilities and research groups you can incorporate into your proposal.
Further questions? Contact us
Fellowship scheme questions
- For queries about eligibility, funding rules or Royal Society processes, contact the Royal Society URF team at urf@royalsociety.org.
Manchester-specific queries
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Departmental fit and internal processes
- For advice on departmental fit and internal requirements, contact a potential supervisor in the first instance by searching Research Explorer. If, after carefully reviewing Research Explorer, you are unable to identify a suitable supervisor whose expertise aligns with your proposal, you may contact the Department’s Head of Research for further guidance.
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Application development and other Faculty queries
- For all other queries, including application development support, please contact the FSE Research Development and Innovation team.