# Small Molecule High-Throughput Screen Using AstraZeneca Facilities

**Funder:** Medical Research Council (MRC)
**Budget:** Up to £270,000 FEC (£250,000 cost to MRC)
**Deadline:** 28 January 2027 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** 12-18 months (typically 15 months)
**Consortium:** Required - host research organisation with AstraZeneca providing screening facilities and technical input
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/small-molecule-high-throughput-screen-using-astrazeneca-facilities/
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports academic researchers (excluding international research organisations and commercial-led applications) to discover small molecule drug starting points using AstraZeneca's compound library and HTS facilities. MRC funds up to four projects per year; researchers are encouraged to embed at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months.

## Summary

This MRC call funds academic researchers to run a small molecule high-throughput screen using AstraZeneca's compound library and screening facilities, aiming to discover new drug starting points. It suits UK-based academic teams with a validated target or assay ready for screening, and funds up to four projects per year, each worth up to £270,000 FEC over 12-18 months. Successful applicants typically embed at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months to run the screen alongside AstraZeneca scientists.

## Who should apply

- Academic researchers based at UK host research organisations
- Teams with a validated drug target or screening assay ready to test
- Applicants able to commit to embedding at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months
- Not open to international research organisations or commercial-led applications

## Key dates

- Deadline: 28 January 2027, 16:00 UK time
- Single-stage application
- 12-18 month projects, typically 15 months

## Tips for applicants

- MRC funds only up to four projects per year, so make the case for target validation and assay readiness concrete and evidence-based rather than aspirational.
- Plan for the AstraZeneca embedding period explicitly in the proposal timeline, reviewers will look for a realistic plan for working within AstraZeneca's Cambridge facilities.
- Because this is a required consortium with AstraZeneca, secure named AstraZeneca collaborator input and a letter of support before submission rather than after.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the MRC small molecule HTS grant with AstraZeneca pay?

Up to £270,000 FEC per project, equivalent to £250,000 cost to MRC.

### How many projects does MRC fund each year under this call?

MRC funds up to four projects annually through this scheme.

### Do I need to work at AstraZeneca's site if I get this grant?

Researchers are encouraged to embed at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months as part of the project.

### Is this call open to international applicants?

No, eligibility is restricted to GB-based host research organisations, and international research organisations and commercial-led applications are excluded.

### How long does the MRC-AstraZeneca HTS project last?

Projects run for 12-18 months, typically around 15 months.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/medical-research-council-mrc-small-molecule-high-throughput-screen-using-astraz-2027-01) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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