Natural Environment Research Council logo
NERC Independent Research Fellowships

NERC Independent Research Fellowship

Supports early-career environmental researchers in the United Kingdom by funding personal fellowships for independent programmes in environmental science.

ClosedNatural Environment Research CouncilUnited Kingdom
View on funder site
About

The NERC Independent Research Fellowship (IRF) 2026 is a five-year personal award designed to support early-career environmental researchers in establishing an independent research identity. The total fund for this cycle is £7.25 million. There is no published cap on individual award value; NERC funds 80% of full economic cost, with the host institution covering the remaining 20%. Equipment reques…

What this grant funds

Any research within NERC's environmental science remit. Fellow must be transitioning to independence — not yet holding a permanent lecturer post.

Key facts
CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.Annual
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.—
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.60 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£7.3M
Funding analytics

Sign up free to see the funding breakdown

Create free accountSign in
Industries

Sign up free to see the industries in scope

Create free accountSign in
Eligibility criteria

Sign up free to see the full eligibility

Create free accountSign in
Timeline

Sign up free to see the timeline

Create free accountSign in
Last verified: 24 Jul 2026Source: www.ukri.org