Springboard Awards
The Springboard Awards support early-career UK biomedical researchers with funding, mentoring, and development opportunities to help establish their independent research careers.
Funder: Wellcome Foundation (https://wellcome.org)
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Expression of Interest, institutional submission) | May 2027 (Full application, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to £125,000 over 2 years; covers research expenses, equipment, research assistance, and travel.
Summary: Supports early-career biomedical scientists in the UK with funding, mentoring, and career development as they establish independent research careers.
Key Information: Institutional nomination required; only eligible UK higher education institutions may submit up to four applications per round.
Description
The Springboard Awards, delivered in partnership between the Academy of Medical Sciences and the Wellcome Foundation, provide targeted support for early-career biomedical researchers in the UK. The scheme is designed to help researchers in their first independent posts establish their research careers by offering financial resources, mentoring, and access to career development opportunities. Funding is intended to cover research costs, equipment, research assistance, and travel, but cannot be used for personal salary support. Awardees also benefit from the Academy’s mentoring programme and professional development activities.
