# MRC Proof of Concept

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Budget:** No limit stated; 80% FEC funded (100% for permitted exceptions)
**Deadline:** 4 November 2026 (4:00pm UK time; stage two only — invitation required following successful stage one)
**Duration:** No limit; justified by proposed work
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: stage one application → invited stage two application
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-proof-of-concept-stage-two/
**Last verified:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Stage two (invitation only) for academically-led translational health research: prevention, diagnosis, prognosis or treatment of significant health needs, or research tools improving intervention development. Covers early prototype to phase 2a clinical studies. UK lead organisation required; international co-leads eligible up to 30% of total costs (HIC/India/China). 80% FEC funded.

## Summary

The MRC Proof of Concept scheme funds academically-led translational health research from early prototype through phase 2a clinical studies, with 80% Full Economic Costing (100% for permitted exceptions). Applications are two-stage, with stage two by invitation only following successful stage one; funding covers prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of significant health needs, or research tools supporting intervention development. The lead organisation must be UK-based, though international co-leads from high-income countries, India, or China may participate up to 30% of total costs.

## Who should apply

- Academic researchers with promising early-stage translational research ready to prototype or early clinical validation
- UK host institution as lead; international co-investigators from HIC, India, or China welcome up to 30% of costs
- Translational health projects addressing prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment of significant health needs, or intervention-development tools
- Teams capable of managing early-to-mid-stage clinical development or technology prototype work

## Key dates

- Stage one deadline: verify on MRC website (stage two invitation-only follows successful stage one)
- Stage two deadline: 4 November 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- Project duration justified by proposed work; no fixed maximum

## Tips for applicants

- Stage one is competitive and filters heavily, clarity and feasibility matter more than depth; signal your path to stage two early.
- Budget 80% FEC as baseline unless your research qualifies for 100% FEC exceptions (clarify eligibility before submission).
- If including international co-leads, keep their total contribution transparent and capped at 30%; this simplifies both review and management.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does the MRC Proof of Concept scheme fund?

Academically-led translational health research covering prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of significant health needs, plus research tools for intervention development, from early prototype through phase 2a clinical studies.

### What is the funding rate for MRC Proof of Concept?

80% Full Economic Costing (FEC); 100% FEC is available for certain permitted exceptions.

### Is MRC Proof of Concept two-stage?

Yes, stage one is open; successful applicants are invited to submit stage two by the November deadline.

### Can international researchers apply for MRC Proof of Concept?

International co-leads are eligible up to 30% of total costs if based in high-income countries, India, or China; the lead organisation must be UK-based.

### How long is an MRC Proof of Concept project?

Project duration is not fixed; it is justified by the proposed work and scope.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/mrc-ukri-mrc-proof-of-concept-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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