University Research Fellowships

A University Research Fellowship (URF) award enables academic staff (pathway 1) to carry out strategic research activity, lasting up to twelve months. A range of activities is eligible for the award, including primary research projects, writing a major bid, and building collaborations and capacity in key research areas. Faculties should give strong priority to candidates whose proposed work aligns with the University's Areas of Distinctiveness. As a guide, around 80% of fellowship awards within each Faculty would normally be expected to support these areas, with the remainder used to support other Faculty strategic priorities or REF pipeline building. The financial support (£20k) can cover the costs of replacement teaching, assessment, and clinical responsibilities during that period, and, at the discretion of the Head of School, may also be used to cover related research expenses. 

The URF nomination process for 2027/28 applicants will remain the same as for 2026/27: Awards to be made by Faculties.

Departments/Schools and Faculties will need to set their own internal deadlines for the receipt of URF nominations – check with your Faculty Office for details.

URF applications for 2027/28 are now open. Please see below for details on the application process. 

How to apply for funding

  • Check the URF Flowchart 27-28 (Office document, 307kB) which illustrates the application process, and the URF Terms and conditions
  • Nominees should complete sections 1–6 of the URF Nomination Form 2027-28 (Office document, 46kB) and forward to their Head of Department/School (HoD/S) by their designated internal deadline.
  • HoD/S are to provide their statement of support in section 7 and forward all nomination documents to their Faculty Office by their internal deadline.
  • Faculty Leadership Teams will review and award applications, and provide a brief explanatory commentary of decisions. Successful nominations, rankings and commentaries must be submitted electronically to RIS by the deadline: 12th February 2027.
  • Successful nominees will be notified by their schools/faculty shortly after the deadline.
  • Awards will be listed on the URF webpages.

Key faculty contacts

Faculty of Science and Engineering

If you are interested in applying, you should contact your Head of School in the first instance. 

Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Science

If you are interested in applying, you should contact your Head of School in the first instance. If you have any queries about the process in this faculty, email Tamara Pullinger: tamara.pullinger@bristol.ac.uk.

Faculty of Heath and Life Sciences

If you are interested in applying, you should contact your Head of School in the first instance.  If you have any queries about the process in this faculty, email Roz Harrison: r.d.harrison@bristol.ac.uk.