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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

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…

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

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

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