The UK’s Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) invites applications from researchers seeking to conduct their own environmental research, within an eligible host organisation.
You must:
- be based at a UK research organisation eligible for Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funding
- meet the individual eligibility requirements
- be an early career researcher
- hold a PhD qualification or have relevant research experience combined with clear evidence of leadership potential
Scope
Through an Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) NERC will invest in researchers seeking to conduct their own environmental research, within an eligible host organisation. You should demonstrate convincing evidence of working towards this goal and a high potential to become an independent research leader of the future.
You must demonstrate that, if awarded an IRF, you will be working independently of senior colleagues with whom you might have previously collaborated, or with whom you might currently be working in a supporting role. Assessors must be convinced that you have devised your own research questions.
This funding opportunity supports excellent investigator-led research across NERC’s remit. NERC welcomes multidisciplinary applications that cross into other research council areas, but expect the primary focus of your work to fall within NERC’s remit.
There is no maximum or minimum value limit of the award. NERC will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC). The duration of this award is five years. Projects must start by 15 August 2027.
Who Is Eligible to Apply
This funding opportunity is open to early career researchers, as well as to a diversity of research and innovation staff including research technical professionals and research software engineers, wishing to carry out independent research. Applicants on an upward trajectory to pursuing working independently and developing research leadership are encouraged to apply.
You should be able to demonstrate appropriate and relevant research or innovation experience. You must also be able to evidence reasonable scientific and technical skills and competencies, in line with the ambitions of the Independent Research Fellowship scheme.
This could be through:
- completion of a PhD or other higher qualification
- relevant employment within a research or innovation environment
You do not need to hold, or be studying for, a PhD to apply. However, if you are currently studying for a PhD, you are only eligible if you are expecting to have submitted your PhD thesis before the Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) interview with the condition of having been awarded the PhD by your fellowship project start date.
There is no limit on the number of years postdoctoral or work experience.
Before applying for funding, check the following:
- NERC eligibility guidance for applicants
- check if your project is within NERC remit and complete a NERC remit enquiry form if you are unsure if your application falls in NERC’s remit.
For more details on funding for fellows on research grants, see the NERC research grant and fellowships handbook.
Application deadline is 16 June 2026.