# New Investigator Research Grant

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Duration:** 3-5 years
**Consortium:** Optional — project co-leads, specialists and project partners may be included but are not required
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-new-investigator-research-grant-applicant-led/
**Last updated:** 25 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports researchers transitioning to independence who have not previously led a research team or held a substantial grant as PI. Funds 80% FEC for up to 50% of applicant's time; international project co-leads can be included. Based at a UK research organisation (excluding most international project leads).

## Summary

The MRC New Investigator Research Grant funds researchers transitioning to independence who have not previously led a research team or held a substantial grant as principal investigator, covering 80% of full economic costs for up to 50% of the applicant's time over three to five years. It is open to researchers based at UK research organisations, with applications accepted continuously rather than against a fixed call cycle. International co-leads can be included, but the grant itself is held by a UK-based applicant.

## Who should apply

- Researchers moving into their first independent PI role
- Applicants who have not previously led a team or held a substantial grant as PI
- Researchers based at a UK research organisation
- Applicants wanting to include international project co-leads or specialists

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, applications accepted continuously
- Single-stage application process
- Project duration of 3-5 years

## Tips for applicants

- Because the deadline is rolling, there's no need to rush to match a cycle, focus on timing the application to your transition to independence.
- Clearly frame the project as your first independent line of research, distinct from your PhD or postdoctoral supervisor's programme.
- If including international project co-leads, be explicit about their role since the grant itself must be held at a UK research organisation.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the MRC New Investigator Research Grant pay?

It covers 80% of full economic costs (FEC) for up to 50% of the applicant's time, over a project lasting 3-5 years.

### Who is eligible for the MRC New Investigator Research Grant?

Researchers transitioning to independence who have not previously led a research team or held a substantial grant as PI, based at a UK research organisation.

### When is the deadline for the MRC New Investigator Research Grant?

There is no fixed deadline, applications are accepted on a rolling, continuous basis.

### Can I include international collaborators on an MRC New Investigator Research Grant?

Yes, international project co-leads and specialists can be included, though the grant must be held at a UK research organisation.

### Is a consortium required for this grant?

No, a consortium is optional, project co-leads, specialists and project partners may be included but are not required.

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

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