# Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Medical Countermeasures R&D

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Budget:** Up to £4M FEC (MRC funds 80%)
**Deadline:** 20 January 2027 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** Up to 30 months
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant, hosted by UK based eligible research organisation; project partners may contribute but cannot be project lead
**Application:** Invite-only: requires successful Expression of Interest before invited full application
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/invite-only-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-cbrn-medical-countermeasures-rd/
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Invite-only funding opportunity for pre-clinical and early translational research developing medical countermeasures for CBRN threats, from prototype development through early-phase clinical trials (up to phase 2a). Applicant must be employed by a UK-based eligible research organisation; international and commercial organisations cannot lead or co-lead.

## Summary

This MRC (UKRI) call funds pre-clinical and early translational research developing medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, covering work from prototype development through early-phase clinical trials up to phase 2a. It offers up to £4M full economic cost (MRC covers 80%) over projects lasting up to 30 months, and is open only to individual applicants employed at a UK-based eligible research organisation. Entry is invite-only: applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest and be invited to submit a full application.

## Who should apply

- Researchers employed by a UK-based eligible research organisation
- Individual applicants leading pre-clinical or early translational projects (no joint lead)
- Projects spanning prototype development through early-phase (up to phase 2a) clinical trials
- Teams with potential project partners, including commercial or international collaborators, who can contribute but not lead
- Researchers working on chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threat countermeasures

## Key dates

- Expression of Interest deadline: 20 January 2027, 16:00 UK time
- Invite-only full application follows a successful Expression of Interest
- Project duration up to 30 months

## Tips for applicants

- Treat the Expression of Interest as the real gatekeeper, only successful EOIs are invited to submit a full application, so front-load feasibility and threat relevance there.
- Clarify project partner roles early: international and commercial organisations can contribute funding or expertise but cannot be named as lead or co-lead.
- Since MRC funds 80% FEC, confirm your host institution can cover the remaining 20% before committing to the EOI.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the MRC CBRN Medical Countermeasures call provide?

Up to £4M full economic cost, with MRC funding 80% of that amount.

### Is this MRC CBRN call open to direct applications?

No, it is invite-only, applicants must first submit a successful Expression of Interest before being invited to apply in full.

### Can international or commercial organisations lead a project in this call?

No, the lead applicant must be employed by a UK-based eligible research organisation, though international and commercial organisations can participate as project partners.

### How long can a funded CBRN medical countermeasures project run?

Projects can run for up to 30 months.

### What stage of research does this MRC call fund?

It funds pre-clinical and early translational research, from prototype development through early-phase clinical trials up to phase 2a.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/mrc-ukri-chemical-biological-radiological-and-nuclear-cbrn--2027-01) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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