researcher wearing spectacles and safety glasses on top, and a white lab coat, looking intently at a large instrument made of silver metal. A row of bright green LEDs are visible through a clear window in the side of the instrument. There are fumehoods in the background.

Royal Society University Research Fellowships

Independent-level fellowships

Internal selection for the Royal Society University Research Fellowship (URF) is now open

Summary

Internal departmental EOI deadline: 30 June 2025, 12:00 BST
Funder deadline: 10 September 2025, 15:00 BST

  • Supports outstanding early-career researchers with the potential to become leaders in their field.
  • Funding is available for up to 8 years (maximum award £1.83M).
  • Covers salary, generous research expenses (including students and PDRAs), and overheads.
  • Approved applications are submitted via the Royal Society’s Flexi-Grant portal.
  • Applicants must not already hold a permanent academic position or equivalent fellowship.
  • Applications are capped at 3 per sub-department.
  • All queries should be directed to: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

Overview

The Royal Society’s University Research Fellowship (URF) supports early-career scientists with exceptional promise who are ready to transition to independent research leadership. The scheme provides substantial long-term support, including resources to build a research group. Oxford Physics coordinates an internal selection process due to application caps set by the funder.

Further information and guidance are available on the Royal Society website and the 2025 call page.

Eligibility

  • Applicants must hold a PhD and have between 3 and 8 years of post-PhD experience at the time of the application deadline.
  • Career breaks (e.g. for parental leave, long-term illness, etc.) and part-time working are taken into account. Additional allowances for some types of career breaks are available (see funder guidance, p.5 of 2025 scheme notes).
  • Applicants must not hold a permanent academic position or an equivalent independent fellowship.
  • Open to applicants of all nationalities.
  • Eligible for the Global Talent visa.

For those requiring greater flexibility, the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship (DHF) may also be appropriate.

Key dates and deadlines (2025 round)

  • 30 June, 12:00 BST – Internal EOI deadline
    Submit your EOI to fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk, including:
    • 1-page outline of proposed research;
    • CV;
    • List of publications/research outputs;
    • Sub-department name;
    • CC your Oxford Physics sponsor (they must confirm support).
  • w/c 14 July – Results of internal selection process announced
  • 17 & 18 July – Training for selected applicants
  • 3 September – Application submitted to University Research Services via Flexi-Grant (Head of Department and referee statements must be complete by this date)
  • 10 September, 15:00 BST – Final submission to Royal Society via Flexi-Grant

Additional information

Sponsor - Applicants must identify and work with a host academic in Oxford Physics to develop their proposal. This individual will act as your sponsor. Please contact them early to confirm their support before submitting your EOI. If you experience difficulties securing a sponsor, email: fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk

EOI assessment - sub-departmental panels will assess EOIs based on the Royal Society’s criteria:

  • Track record of the applicant, relative to career stage
  • Research career to date and potential to become a research leader
  • Scientific merit, originality, and feasibility of the proposed project
  • Likely contribution to the field
  • Suitability of Oxford Physics as host environment, including infrastructure and support for career development

The Royal Society provides detailed advice and assessment guidance on their URF applicant resources page.

Statements of support - if selected to apply your application must include a statement of support from the Head of Department and two referees:

  • One referee should have worked closely with you; the other should ideally be external to both your current group and the host institution (preferably international).
  • You must invite your referees and Head of Department via the portal. All statements must be uploaded directly by them.
  • From this round onwards, the Head of Department statement of support will be visible to applicants.
  • The portal will not allow institutional approval to proceed until all sections are marked complete — please act well in advance of the deadline.

Support for applicants - Selected candidates will receive internal guidance documents. Two workshops will be held to support applicants with the application process. The sessions are identical; selected candidates only need to attend one (see dates above)

Interview preparation - If shortlisted for interview, inform your sponsor and the Research Facilitation team as early as possible so that mock interviews can be arranged in advance.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Oxford Physics supports flexible working and career breaks, and recognises that a range of personal circumstances may influence career progression. We welcome applications from those with non-linear career paths or those returning to research following a break (e.g. due to illness, caring responsibilities, parental leave, or work outside academia). Applicants are encouraged to highlight any relevant circumstances in their EOI, or to discuss them confidentially with the Research Facilitation team at fellowships@physics.ox.ac.uk.

We particularly encourage EOIs from individuals from underrepresented groups in Physics. Should any candidate have difficulty in securing a sponsor within the department or need further guidance on this, please contact the facilitation team and we will endeavour to support you. If you require specific support or accommodations during the application process, please let us know.

For further information on our approach to EDI, visit our ED&I webpage.