Small molecule high throughput screen using AstraZeneca facilities
Enables academic researchers to access AstraZeneca’s compound library and HTS facilities to discover new small molecule drug candidates through collaborative screening projects.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 9, 2026: Full application submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to £270,000 per project (total fund: £1,000,000); typical duration 12–18 months; MRC funds 100% FEC at AstraZeneca, 80% FEC at host institution.
Summary: Supports academic researchers in accessing AstraZeneca’s compound library and high-throughput screening facilities to identify new small molecule drug candidates.
Key Information: Projects must be led by eligible UK research organisations and involve a mandatory collaboration with AstraZeneca under a pre-defined agreement.
Description
This funding opportunity enables academic researchers to run high-throughput screening (HTS) projects using AstraZeneca’s state-of-the-art robotics and compound library (over two million molecules). The scheme is designed to catalyse the discovery of novel small molecule drug starting points by providing technical input, assay optimisation, and collaborative access to AstraZeneca’s Cambridge facilities. Up to four projects per year are supported, with the aim of bridging academic innovation and industrial drug discovery infrastructure. Researchers are encouraged to embed themselves at AstraZeneca for up to three months to facilitate assay development and screening.
