Royal Society Biology Letters Early Career Researcher Competition 2026

The Royal Society is now accepting applications for the Biology Letters Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition 2026. This competition is designed to support early career researchers (ECRs) and highlight their contributions. It also offers recognition and financial prizes to encourage high-quality research publications.

📝 About the Competition

The Royal Society Biology Letters Early Career Researcher Competition aims to:

• Support early career researchers (ECRs).
• Highlight their contributions to the field of biology.
• Provide recognition and financial incentives for high-quality research publications.

🎁 Benefits

• The overall winner will receive £1000 (or currency equivalent).
• Two runners-up will each receive £500 (or currency equivalent).

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To participate in the competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Open to all early career researchers (ECRs), defined as individuals who have completed a postgraduate degree within the last six years.
• Employees of the Royal Society, their families, agents, or any third party directly associated with the administration of the award are not eligible.
• Only original research manuscripts submitted to Biology Letters are eligible for the competition.
• Participants must confirm their eligibility and may be required to provide proof of eligibility.
• The Royal Society reserves the right to disqualify participants if their conduct is contrary to the spirit or intention of the competition.

📅 Application Date and Process

1. Submit your research article to the journal via the submission portal: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/bl. The usual journal criteria, terms, and conditions apply.
2. Eligible manuscripts must be submitted between Monday, 12 January 2026, and Tuesday, 31 March 2026 (23:59 BST).
3. Resubmissions of eligible manuscripts will only be considered if resubmitted before the 31 March 2026 closing date.
4. Opt into the competition by checking the appropriate box on the submission system. Ensure your cover letter mentions that the manuscript is an entry for the competition.
5. The competition is free to enter, and no purchase is necessary.
6. By entering the competition, participants agree to be bound by the terms and conditions. For any questions, contact biologyletters@royalsociety.org.

📌 Application Deadline

31 March 2026

🔗 Application Portal

• View more details about the competition: Royal Society Biology Letters Early Career Researcher Competition
• Submit your application: https://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/bl

For further inquiries, please contact biologyletters@royalsociety.org.

• The overall winner receives £1000 and two runners-up receive £500 each (or currency equivalent).