Wellcome Discovery Awards
The Wellcome Discovery Awards fund established researchers or teams to pursue bold, innovative research across any discipline that advances knowledge and methodologies in health-related science.
Funder: Wellcome Foundation
Due Dates: November 25, 2025 | March 31, 2026 | September 22, 2026 | February 23, 2027
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: £3.5 million (average), up to £5 million or more in justified cases; duration up to 8 years.
Summary: Funds established researchers or teams to pursue ambitious, innovative research in any discipline that advances health-related knowledge and methodologies.
Key Information: Eligibility rules and country restrictions change after October 29, 2026—see eligibility section for details.
Description
The Wellcome Discovery Awards support established researchers or research teams aiming to produce significant advances in understanding, methodologies, conceptual frameworks, tools, or techniques that benefit health-related research. The scheme encourages bold, creative, and high-quality research proposals across all disciplines, including STEM, humanities, social sciences, clinical/allied health sciences, and public health. Projects can be single or multidisciplinary, with a strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and inclusive research environments. Funding covers a wide range of research expenses, enabling long-term, ambitious programmes that can last up to eight years.
