# MRC Experimental Medicine

**Funder:** Medical Research Council (MRC)
**Budget:** No limit stated; 80% of full economic cost funded
**Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** No fixed limit; typically 3 years for new investigator awards
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: stage one application → stage two full application (with SoECAT required at stage two)
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/experimental-medicine/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds academically-led experimental medicine projects conducted in humans, investigating causes, progression and treatment of human disease. UK research organisations eligible as lead; international co-leads permitted (costs capped at 30% for high-income countries). Includes a New Investigator Award track for early-career researchers transitioning to independence (salary capped at 50% FTE). Clinical studies assessing safety/efficacy of treatments are ineligible.

## Summary

The MRC Experimental Medicine programme funds academically-led studies of human disease in UK research organisations, covering investigations into disease causes, progression, and treatment mechanisms in humans. The call supports both established and early-career researchers; the New Investigator Award track funds researchers transitioning to independence with salary capped at 50% FTE. International co-investigators are permitted, though costs from high-income countries are limited to 30% of the total budget.

## Who should apply

- UK research organisations as lead applicant (hospitals, universities)
- Early-career researchers establishing independence (New Investigator Award track)
- Established researchers conducting experimental human medicine
- Projects investigating disease mechanisms, causes, or progression in humans
- Teams with international collaborators at lower cost contribution

## Key dates

- Deadline 7 October 2026 at 16:00 (UK time)
- Two-stage application: stage one to stage two (SoECAT required at stage two)
- Typically 3 years for new investigator awards

## Tips for applicants

- The New Investigator Award caps salary at 50% FTE; structure your team plan around this constraint.
- Clinical trials assessing safety or efficacy of treatments are out of scope; focus on mechanistic and exploratory studies in humans.
- International co-costs are capped at 30% for high-income countries; clearly break out domestic vs. overseas costs in your budget.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the MRC Experimental Medicine programme fund?

Academically-led studies investigating the causes, progression, and treatment of human disease conducted in humans. Clinical trials assessing treatment safety or efficacy are ineligible.

### Who can apply for MRC Experimental Medicine?

UK research organisations (universities, hospitals) as lead applicant. Early-career researchers can apply via the New Investigator Award track; established researchers are also eligible.

### Can I include international collaborators in an MRC Experimental Medicine proposal?

Yes, international co-leads are permitted, but costs from high-income countries are capped at 30% of the total project budget.

### What is the salary cap for the MRC Experimental Medicine New Investigator Award?

Salary is capped at 50% FTE for new investigator applicants establishing independence.

### How long is a typical MRC Experimental Medicine award?

New investigator awards typically run for 3 years, though no fixed limit is stated for other tracks.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/medical-research-council-mrc-mrc-experimental-medicine-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.