# UK Obesity Research Institute (UK-ORI)

**Funder:** MRC (UKRI)
**Budget:** Up to £60M (80% FEC)
**Duration:** 7 years (with potential to renew)
**Consortium:** Required — multi-site hub-and-partner model; lead must be a single eligible UK research organisation with partner research sites
**Application:** Single stage (full application); applicants encouraged to contact MRC before submitting
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/uk-obesity-research-institute/
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds a national, director-led UK Obesity Research Institute focused on mechanistic biomedical science of obesity (pathophysiology, cardiometabolic consequences, prevention and treatment). Lead applicant must be a UK research organisation (universities/research institutes); businesses and charities cannot lead. International researchers may participate as co-leads (international) but cannot lead. One award expected. Funding subject to full business case approval.

## Summary

The UK Obesity Research Institute, funded by the Medical Research Council (UKRI), offers up to £60 million over seven years to establish a national, director-led research hub focused on the mechanistic biomedical science of obesity. The consortium-based award targets UK universities and research institutes leading multi-site partnerships to investigate pathophysiology, cardiometabolic consequences, prevention, and treatment. One award is expected; the call is one-off and subject to business case approval.

## Who should apply

- UK universities or research institutes capable of serving as the lead organisation and director of a multi-site research hub
- Consortia with multiple partner research sites and demonstrated integration capacity
- Research teams with expertise spanning pathophysiology, cardiometabolic science, prevention, and clinical treatment
- International co-leads may participate but cannot hold the lead position

## Key dates

- Full application window not yet open; webinar for potential applicants on 2 September 2026
- Single-stage full application
- Seven-year project duration with potential renewal

## Tips for applicants

- Contact the MRC before submitting; early engagement with the programme team is encouraged and can clarify consortium structure expectations.
- Design the hub around a named director with institutional backing; this is not a standard investigator grant but a national infrastructure award.
- The multi-site partnership must demonstrate genuine integration, not just co-authorship; articulate how sites share governance, data, and strategic direction.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for the UK Obesity Research Institute grant?

Up to £60 million at 80% Full Economic Cost over seven years for a single consortium-based award.

### Who can lead the UK Obesity Research Institute?

A UK university or research institute must serve as the lead organisation; businesses, charities, and international researchers cannot lead, though international co-leads may participate.

### Is consortium participation mandatory?

Yes, the award requires a multi-site hub-and-partner model with a lead UK research organisation and multiple partner research sites.

### When does the application window open?

The full application window has not yet opened; an informational webinar for potential applicants is scheduled for 2 September 2026.

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