# MRC Experimental Medicine – New Investigator Award

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Deadline:** 7 October 2026 (4:00pm UK time)
**Duration:** Typically 3 years
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/experimental-medicine/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports early-career researchers (postdoctoral, lecturers, junior fellows) who have not previously led a research team or held a substantial grant, enabling transition to independence through an experimental medicine project in humans. Salary capped at 50% of contracted working time; applicant must be sole intellectual leader. Typical duration three years.

## Summary

The MRC Experimental Medicine, New Investigator Award supports early-career researchers in the UK (postdoctoral, lecturers, junior fellows) to lead their first independent human-subjects experimental medicine projects over three years. Applicants must have no prior leadership of a research team or substantial grant, with salary capped at 50% of contracted time. This call enables transition to research independence through a structured pathway in experimental medicine.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, or junior fellows with no prior research team leadership
- Researchers without substantial prior grant funding
- Applicants based at UK institutions eligible for MRC funding
- Projects centred on experimental medicine in human subjects
- Researchers seeking to establish independence in a structured three-year framework

## Key dates

- Deadline 7 October 2026 at 4:00pm UK time
- Typical project duration three years

## Tips for applicants

- Applicant must be the sole intellectual leader, highlight your independent contribution, not a continuation of prior supervisor's work.
- Salary is capped at 50% of contracted time; cost your effort realistically and show how you will transition to full independence.
- Experimental medicine focus means human subjects; proposals confined to cell or animal models do not fit this call.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is eligible for the MRC Experimental Medicine, New Investigator Award?

Postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, and junior fellows who have not previously led a research team or held a substantial grant and are based at a UK institution.

### How long is the MRC Experimental Medicine, New Investigator Award?

Typically three years.

### Can I apply if I have already held a research grant?

No, the award targets researchers who have not previously led a research team or held a substantial grant; prior junior co-investigator roles are acceptable but not prior leadership.

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

Salary is capped at 50% of your contracted working time.

### What type of research does this award fund?

Experimental medicine projects in human subjects; applicants must be the sole intellectual leader of the proposed work.

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