We are delighted to announce that our Principal Investigator, Dr Aakash Mukhopadhyay, has been selected to be part of the 2026 cohort of University Research Fellows (URFs) by the Royal Society.
The Royal Society is proud to provide the long-term funding and support that helps to nurture exceptional talent
Sir Paul Nurse
President of the Royal Society
The University Research Fellowship is one of the Royal Society’s flagship programmes for supporting outstanding scientists at the early stages of their research careers. The fellowship provides researchers with the long-term support needed to establish independent research programmes and develop into leaders in their fields. University Research Fellows can receive up to £1.87 million over eight years, providing a unique opportunity to pursue ambitious and innovative research.
Aakash’s eight-year fellowship will support his independent research programme investigating the fascinating biology of the Leishmania flagellum. His research will explore fundamental questions surrounding this remarkable cellular structure, with the aim of advancing our understanding of Leishmania biology and the mechanisms that underpin its unique biology.
Commenting on the new cohort, Sir Paul Nurse, President of the Royal Society, said:
“I am delighted to welcome this latest cohort of University Research Fellows. These highly accomplished scientists represent the next generation of world-leading researchers. Supporting outstanding early career researchers to pursue ambitious and original ideas is essential to the future of science. The Royal Society is proud to provide the long-term funding and support that helps to nurture exceptional talent.”
The University Research Fellowship was the first award for early career researchers offered by the Royal Society. Since the scheme began in 1983, it has provided long-term support to over 1,600 researchers in the UK to establish their careers and develop as research leaders in their respective fields.
Looking Ahead
We are thrilled to celebrate Aakash’s achievement and this exciting new chapter in his research career. The fellowship provides a fantastic opportunity to develop his independent research programme and explore new questions surrounding the fascinating biology of the Leishmania flagellum.
We look forward to seeing where this next stage of Aakash’s research journey takes him and to following the discoveries, ideas and new directions that emerge from his work over the coming years.
Congratulations, Aakash — we are incredibly proud of you and can’t wait to see what comes next!