UKRI translation: MRC proof of concept: stage two
UKRI translation: MRC proof of concept: stage two supports academic teams developing and testing medical interventions from prototypes through early clinical trials to advance patient benefit or commercialisation.
This grant was recently updated
The closing date moved from 4 November 2026 to 3 March 2027 (4:00pm UK time); opening moved from 9 July to 5 November 2026 (9:00am UK time). Eligibility wording also changed, including removal of applications to non-UKRI funders from the uninvited-resubmission restriction.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: March 3, 2027, 4:00pm UK time (Stage two closing date)
Funding Amounts: £10 million total fund; no award or duration limit; 80% FEC and 100% permitted exceptions
Summary: Supports academically led development and testing of medical interventions from prototypes through early clinical trials up to phase 2a.
Key Information: Invitation required following successful stage one assessment or a panel-approved stage two resubmission.
Description
The Medical Research Council (MRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, runs this translational funding opportunity to advance academic discoveries towards patient benefit and/or commercialisation. Projects must address significant health needs through improved prevention, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment, or develop research tools that make intervention development more efficient. All human diseases are within scope, including UK healthcare and global health challenges.
Supported work spans prototype development, pre-clinical refinement and testing, and early-phase clinical studies through phase 2a. Interventions include drugs, vaccines, biologics, gene and cell therapies, regenerative medicine, repurposed therapies, devices, digital healthcare, diagnostics, imaging, surgical tools, behavioural and psychological interventions, and radiotherapy. Applications need a development plan linked to a specific clinical need and a credible route to further development and patient benefit.
