Wellcome Career Development Awards
The Wellcome Career Development Award funds mid-career researchers to lead innovative, independent research advancing understanding of human life, health, or wellbeing.
Funder: Wellcome Foundation
Due Dates: July 24, 2025 | November 20, 2025 | March 26, 2026 | July 28, 2026 | November 17, 2026 | April 13, 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to 8 years support; typical awards range from £500,000 to £3.8 million, with annual expenditure usually below £250,000 (excluding applicant’s salary); covers salary (where eligible), research expenses, and up to 4 FTE staff.
Summary: Supports mid-career researchers to lead bold, innovative research programs advancing knowledge of human life, health, and wellbeing.
Key Information: Open to researchers in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible low- and middle-income countries (except India and mainland China).
Description
This award is designed for mid-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to lead substantial, independent research programs that have the potential to deliver significant advances in understanding human life, health, or wellbeing. The scheme aims to help recipients develop their research and leadership capabilities, foster responsible and inclusive research cultures, and mentor emerging researchers. Projects must align with Wellcome’s Discovery Research remit, focusing on transformative shifts in knowledge or the development of new methodologies, tools, or conceptual frameworks relevant to health.
