Fellowships are a cornerstone of NERC’s talent strategy. The independent research fellowship (IRF) scheme is our primary support mechanism for early career researchers in environmental sciences.
We will align with the fellowship investment framework.
Independent research fellowships
Open to early career researchers with a PhD (or significant relevant research experience combined with clear evidence of leadership potential) who want to conduct their own environmental research within an eligible host organisation.
Strong applicants will demonstrate convincing evidence of working towards this goal and a high potential to become independent research leaders in the future.
IRFs are five-year, full-time fellowships. Part-time (pro rata) may be possible to accommodate caring responsibilities.
Find eligibility criteria, how to apply and details of closed, open and upcoming opportunities on the NERC fellowships funding pages.
Application dates for independent research fellowships
There is one funding opportunity per year.
The next IRF opportunity, Early Independence: Independent Research Fellowship 2026, will open on 25 February 2026 and close 16 June 2026.
If your IRF 2026 application requires Antarctic or sub-Antarctic logistic support from NERC’s British Antarctic Survey, you must complete a Pre-Award Operational Support Planning Questionnaire (OSPQ) to detail your support requirements. Email the Antarctic Access Office at afibas@bas.ac.uk to request access to the OSPQ Portal, stating your:
- name
- institution
- project title
The deadline for the completed Pre-Award OSPQs to be submitted is 16 March 2026.
If you intend to use NERC marine facilities discuss your requirements as soon as possible and by Friday 15 May 2026 by emailing marineplanning@nerc.ukri.org.
Assessment process
IRF applications are assessed by expert panel members against criteria specified in the Announcement of Opportunity. In response to unprecedented demand in 2024 we have introduced a triage stage to reduce the number taken through the process and to interview.
- Triage stage: expert panel members submit scores for applications before the panel meeting, working with the panel Chairs, NERC will determine a cut-off point using panel member scores to create a shortlist of applications proceeding to the next stage.
- Panel meeting: shortlisted applications discussed at expert panel meeting.
- Interviews: expert panel conducts interviews in March to April 2027.
Organisations and applicants should consider the criteria and number of applications they submit. If numbers become unmanageable then we may be required to adjust the assessment process, delays in assessment may occur, and the likelihood of securing funding may decrease.
Daphne Jackson Trust fellowships
UK Research and Innovation research councils contribute funds to the Daphne Jackson Trust.
The Daphne Jackson Trust aims to support people who have taken a break from their career in research of at least two years for family, caring or health reasons.
For more information, visit the Daphne Jackson Trust website.
Last updated: 15 December 2025