Wellcome Career Development Awards
Wellcome Career Development Awards fund mid-career researchers to lead independent, innovative research advancing understanding of human life, health, and 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: Typically up to £250,000 per year (excluding applicant’s salary); award duration up to 8 years; comprehensive research costs covered.
Summary: Supports mid-career researchers to lead innovative, independent research advancing understanding of human life, health, and wellbeing.
Key Information: Major eligibility change: from October 29, 2026, only applicants based in the UK or low-/middle-income countries in Africa, South Asia, or South-East Asia will be eligible.
Description
The Wellcome Career Development Awards fund ambitious mid-career researchers from any discipline with the potential to become international leaders in their field. The scheme enables recipients to develop their research independence, lead innovative programmes, and deliver significant advances related to human life, health, and wellbeing. Awardees are expected to enhance their leadership skills, foster a positive and inclusive research culture, and help train the next generation of researchers. The grant provides comprehensive support for research costs, including staff, equipment, materials, training, travel, and public engagement.
