# MRC Proof of Concept Stage One

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Application:** 2-stage: stage one → stage two
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-proof-of-concept-stage-one/
**Last verified:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

MRC translational/proof-of-concept funding for UK research organisations. Applicants must consider ethics and regulatory requirements; research involving human subjects or tissue requires demonstrated consideration of ethical issues. Drug repurposing projects are in scope. Contact dpfsanddcs@mrc.ukri.org for programme-specific queries.

## Summary

The MRC Proof of Concept Stage One funds UK research organisations to develop early-stage translational and proof-of-concept research, with particular interest in drug repurposing projects. Applicants must demonstrate consideration of ethics and regulatory requirements, especially for research involving human subjects or tissue. This is a two-stage competitive process.

## Who should apply

- Researchers and research teams based at UK eligible organisations
- Translational and applied research projects with proof-of-concept objectives
- Drug repurposing initiatives with clear development pathways
- Projects that have systematically considered ethics and regulatory pathways

## Key dates

- Two-stage evaluation: Stage One written review, then Stage Two for shortlisted applicants

## Tips for applicants

- Ethics and regulatory consideration is mandatory, for human-subjects or tissue-involving research, embed ethics reasoning explicitly in your application or risk early rejection.
- Drug repurposing projects are actively encouraged; if your proposal fits this profile, highlight the repurposing angle and existing safety/efficacy data.
- Contact dpfsanddcs@mrc.ukri.org early with programme-specific questions; clarity on scope before writing saves rework.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the MRC Proof of Concept Stage One?

It is a two-stage competitive funding scheme for translational and proof-of-concept research at UK research organisations, with particular interest in drug repurposing projects.

### Who is eligible for MRC Proof of Concept Stage One?

Researchers and research teams based at eligible UK research organisations.

### Is ethics approval required before applying to MRC Proof of Concept Stage One?

Applicants must demonstrate systematic consideration of ethics and regulatory requirements in the proposal, particularly for research involving human subjects or tissue; full approval may not be required at application stage.

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

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