Wellcome Early-Career Awards
Wellcome Early-Career Awards fund independent, innovative research by early-career scientists to advance knowledge in any discipline relevant to human health and wellbeing.
Funder: Wellcome Foundation
Due Dates: July 21, 2026 | November 10, 2026 | April 6, 2027
Funding Amounts: Salary plus up to £400,000 for research expenses over 5 years; additional eligible costs (e.g., overheads, adjustment support) may be covered separately.
Summary: Supports early-career researchers to lead independent, innovative health-related research aligned with Wellcome’s Discovery Research remit.
Key Information: Open to researchers in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or low-/middle-income countries (excluding India and mainland China); strict eligibility and research scope requirements apply.
Description
The Wellcome Early-Career Awards are designed to empower early-career researchers to establish themselves as independent investigators by supporting bold, creative research projects that advance understanding in any discipline relevant to human health, life, and wellbeing. The scheme emphasizes development of technical and management skills, collaborative networks, and a commitment to responsible and inclusive research cultures. Projects must fit the Discovery Research remit, focusing on new knowledge, methodologies, frameworks, tools, or techniques that can benefit health-related research. The awards aim to foster the next generation of research leaders.
