Early Independence: NERC Independent Research Fellowship 2026

NERC offers Independent Research Fellowships for early career researchers to run their own environmental science projects. The funding can be up to £7.25 million over several years. You need to be an early career researcher in environmental sciences. The fellowship helps you become an independent researcher. You can use the money for your salary, research costs, and equipment. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. This is for researchers at universities and research institutes in England.

This fellowship is for early career researchers in environmental sciences who want to become independent researchers. You need to be based at a university or research institute in England. It is not suitable for established academics or researchers outside environmental sciences.

Apply for a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) to further your career through an independent research project.You must:

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. You need to apply through your host research institution. Contact NERC or your institution's research office for application details.