Call for Applications: Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowship 2026 (Up to €90,000 per Year in Funding)

Application Deadline: September 9, 2026

About the Fellowship

The Royal Society – Research Ireland University Research Fellowship is a flagship early-career funding scheme for outstanding scientists in the Republic of Ireland who 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. The fellowship is a partnership between the Royal Society and Research Ireland, with the cost of the fellowship met by Research Ireland. Over €5.5 million in long-term funding is provided to support three scientists over an eight-year period. Fellowships are awarded in all fields of the natural sciences, including but not limited to biological research, biomedical sciences, chemistry, engineering, mathematics, and physics.

Fellowship Details

Funding Duration: 8 years, with the final 3 years subject to a mid-point assessment at the start of year 4.

Funding Benefits:

• 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
• Institutional overheads at 30% of the value of the award (less equipment)
• Research expenses of up to €90,000 per annum
• The award is funded by Research Ireland and administered by the Royal Society

Eligibility Requirements

The applicant must:

• Hold 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 (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
• 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

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.

Career Break Consideration

The Society will consider time spent outside the research environment when assessing eligibility. Where applicants have taken formal periods of maternity, paternity, adoptive leave, or extended sick leave, the Society will allow additional time when assessing eligibility.

Application Process

Click on the link to the below to apply.

Application Link: Click here

For More Information: Visit the Official Royal Society University Research Fellowship Page