Early independence: NERC independent research fellowship 2026
Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) · United Kingdom
A fellowship programme supporting early career researchers to carry out independent environmental research projects and develop into future research leaders.
Summary
Deadline
16 Jun 2026
Complexity
High
Time to apply
60-120 hours
Updated
9 Jun 2026
A fellowship programme supporting early career researchers to carry out independent environmental research projects and develop into future research leaders.
Eligibility
Applicant types
Research
Business size
Research organisation
Industries
Environmental science, natural environment research, multidisciplinary research within NERC remit
Match funding
Yes (host contribution)
Requirements
Early career researchers with a PhD (or equivalent experience) based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding must host independent research fellow. Independent, investigator-led research within NERC’s remit, including multidisciplinary projects with a primary environmental focus
Eligible applicants
Early career researchers with a PhD (or equivalent experience) based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
£7,250,000
Total fund available
£7,250,000
Funding intensity
Not specified
Payment type
Salary and project costs via host (grant)
Eligible scope
Independent, investigator-led research within NERC’s remit, including multidisciplinary projects with a primary environmental focus
Eligible expenses
- Direct and indirect research costs including staff, estates, facilities, and operational costs under full economic costing model
Ineligible costs
- PhD studentships, large equipment over £25,000, and costs outside NERC funding scope
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Competitive Selection
Decision timeline
Not specified
Assessment process
Not specified
Application sections
Not specified
Application components
- Application includes research proposal, costings, and supporting information submitted via UKRI Funding Service
Required documents
Not specified
Appendices
Not specified
Assessment criteria
- Evaluation of research quality, applicant capability, leadership potential, and ability to deliver independent research
Timeline and partners
Opening date
25 Feb 2026
Project duration
Not specified
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Co-funders
Not specified
Collaboration rules
- Open to applicants of any nationality, provided the fellowship is hosted at a UK research organisation
Consortium requirements
- Single applicant fellowship; UK host organisation required.
Additional guidance
[{"label":"Key Organisational Requirements","value":"Host organisation must be eligible for NERC funding and support the applicant’s independent research programme"},{"label":"Funding Structure","value":"No fixed grant limit; NERC funds 80% of full economic cost; fellowship duration is 5 years"},{"label":"important notes","value":"Fellowship lasts 5 years; funding covers 80% of costs; applicants must demonstrate independence from previous supervisors; Global Talent visa eligibility available"}]
Quick facts
- Status
- Open
- Deadline
- 16 Jun 2026
- Funding amount
- £7,250,000
- Funding band
- Large (£5M+)
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Payment type
- Salary and project costs via host (grant)
- Audience
- Research Innovation
- Industry
- Environmental science, natural environment research, multidisciplinary research within NERC remit
- Last updated
- 9 Jun 2026
- Published
- Not specified