Wellcome Career Development Awards
The Wellcome Career Development Awards support mid-career researchers to lead innovative, high-impact research in human life, health, and wellbeing, funded by the Wellcome Trust.
Funder: Wellcome Trust
Due Dates: July 28, 2026 (full application deadline) | August 25, 2026 (scheme reopens, rolling submissions)
Funding Amounts: Usually up to £250,000/year (excluding applicant’s salary); typical duration up to 8 years; actual budget based on justified research needs.
Summary: Supports mid-career researchers to lead innovative research and develop into international leaders in human life, health, and wellbeing.
Key Information: After August 25, 2026, scheme moves to rolling submissions (no deadlines).
Description
The Wellcome Career Development Awards are designed to support mid-career researchers from any discipline who demonstrate the potential to become international leaders in their field. The scheme enables recipients to develop their research capabilities, lead substantial and innovative research programmes, and deliver significant advances in understanding related to human life, health, and wellbeing. Awardees are expected to enhance their leadership skills, foster responsible research practices, and contribute to a positive and inclusive research culture, including training the next generation of researchers. By the end of the award, recipients should have achieved international standing in their area of research and be well-positioned for permanent positions within research organizations.
