MRC: new investigator research grant: applicant-led
MRC: new investigator research grant: applicant-led supports new investigators with discovery and early translational research to advance understanding of human health and disease and build research independence.
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Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications, no closing date) | November–December 2026 (first interviews)
Funding Amounts: No funding ceiling; 80% of full economic cost and 100% of permitted exceptions, for up to five years
Summary: Supports discovery and early translational research in human health and disease while new investigators transition to independence.
Key Information: Applicants must be the sole intellectual leader and must not have already achieved research independence.
Description
The Medical Research Council (MRC), part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), supports ambitious research alongside the transition to research independence. Projects should focus on discovery and early translational research within MRC’s remit, transforming understanding of human health and disease. The programme seeks insights into disease causes and mechanisms that can accelerate diagnosis, advance treatment and prevent human illness.
The award combines a research project with career development, helping investigators establish their own research profile, lead a team and pursue long-term career goals alongside other academic or clinical activities. MRC welcomes interdisciplinary and team-based research, global perspectives and work with potential to improve global health. Partnerships outside the UK should be equitably led and co-designed.
