Springboard Awards
The Wellcome Trust Springboard Awards support early-career UK biomedical researchers with funding, mentoring, and professional development to help launch independent research careers.
Funder: Wellcome Trust (https://wellcome.org/research-funding)
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (Expression of interest for new institutions) | May 2027 (Institutional nomination deadline, projected) | May 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to £125,000 per award for up to 2 years; funds research expenses, staff, equipment, and travel (not PI salary).
Summary: Supports early-career biomedical scientists in the UK to establish independent research careers through funding, mentorship, and career development.
Key Information: Applicants must be nominated by their institution; only selected UK HEIs may nominate up to four candidates per round.
Description
The Springboard Awards, co-funded by the Wellcome Trust and administered by the Academy of Medical Sciences, provide targeted support for early-career biomedical researchers in the UK. The scheme aims to help newly independent scientists establish their research programmes by offering up to £125,000 over two years for research expenses, equipment, research assistance, and travel. In addition to financial support, awardees benefit from tailored mentoring and professional development opportunities. Only selected UK higher education institutions (HEIs) may nominate candidates, with each institution able to put forward up to four applications per round.
