Wellcome Accelerator Awards
The Wellcome Accelerator Awards fund UK-based researchers of Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani heritage to advance their research careers through support for scientific projects and professional development.
Funder: Wellcome Trust
Due Dates: August 25, 2026 (Full application deadline, 15:00 BST)
Funding Amounts: Up to £200,000 for project expenses plus salary (if required); maximum duration 2 years.
Summary: Flexible funding for UK-based researchers of Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani heritage to advance their academic careers through research and professional development.
Key Information: Applicants must be UK-based and self-identify as Black, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani heritage; coapplicants not accepted.
Description
The Wellcome Accelerator Awards are designed to support researchers of Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani heritage in the UK who are underrepresented in research funding and face higher rates of career attrition. This scheme provides flexible funding for both research and research-adjacent activities—including training, secondments, networking, and skills development—to help recipients strengthen their professional profiles and progress to the next stage of their academic careers. Activities supported can include developing novel research ideas, undertaking skills training, writing and publishing, research placements, and building collaborative networks. The ultimate goal is to empower awardees to enhance their visibility, competitiveness, and ability to secure future research opportunities and recognition.
