Early Independence: NERC Independent Research Fellowship 2026

NERC Independent Research Fellowships support early-career researchers and research or innovation staff to carry out independent research within NERC's remit.

Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) lists this opportunity for Early-career researchers, Climate, Environment & Sustainability, United Kingdom. Applicants should use the official call page to confirm final requirements before submitting.

Applicants must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for NERC funding and meet the individual eligibility requirements.

Applicants should be early-career researchers or have relevant research or innovation experience with evidence of leadership potential.

Independent research projects within NERC's remit.

Fellowships can be held full time or part time, with support for flexible working and career-break circumstances.

There is no fixed value limit stated for the grant. NERC funds 80% of full economic cost. Fellowships last five years full time or pro rata if held part time.

Application deadline: Jun 16, 2026.

Confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, and submission route on the official call page.

Plan internal approvals, partner confirmations, budgets, letters, and portal submission before the final deadline.

Use the official UKRI Funding Finder page and submit through the UKRI Funding Service by 16 June 2026 at 4:00 pm UK time.

Before submitting, check required documents, eligible costs, attachments, page limits, institutional approvals, and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration, or nomination stage.