# Longitudinal Population Studies Strategic Prioritisation Exercise

**Funder:** UKRI
**Budget:** Phase 1 up to £1M/year; Phase 2 up to £200k/year
**Deadline:** 17 November 2026 (16:00 UK time)
**Duration:** 10 years (nominally 2029–2039); shorter for Phase 3 studies
**Consortium:** Optional — international researchers may join as project co-lead (international) or project partners; businesses and charities may participate as project partners only
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** One-off
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/longitudinal-population-studies-strategic-prioritisation-exercise/
**Last updated:** 20 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Strategic Prioritisation Exercise (SPE) for existing biomedical Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS) based in the UK, or overseas if previously MRC-supported with a UK research organisation involved. Submissions will not result in direct funding but inform future MRC investment; project leads must be UK-based researchers at eligible research organisations.

## Summary

This UKRI exercise asks existing biomedical Longitudinal Population Studies to submit strategic proposals that will inform future MRC investment rather than deliver direct funding. It is open to UK-based project leads at eligible research organisations running established LPS cohorts, including studies based overseas if previously MRC-supported with a UK research organisation involved. Proposals feed a prioritisation process covering funding phases from nominally 2029 to 2039, with shorter timelines for Phase 3 studies.

## Who should apply

- Project leads of existing biomedical Longitudinal Population Studies
- UK-based researchers at eligible research organisations
- Overseas LPS previously MRC-supported with a UK research organisation partner
- Studies seeking to inform long-term MRC investment rather than immediate funding

## Key dates

- Deadline 17 November 2026, 16:00 UK time
- Single-stage application
- Funding phases run nominally 2029-2039, shorter for Phase 3 studies

## Tips for applicants

- This is a prioritisation exercise, not a funding call, frame the submission around strategic case and long-term value rather than a standard grant narrative.
- International co-leads and business or charity partners can join, but only UK-based researchers may act as project lead, check consortium roles before drafting.
- Distinguish clearly between Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 study status, since budget scale and duration expectations differ sharply between them.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does the UKRI Longitudinal Population Studies Strategic Prioritisation Exercise provide direct funding?

No, submissions do not result in direct funding but inform future MRC investment decisions.

### Who can be project lead for this exercise?

Project leads must be UK-based researchers at eligible research organisations.

### Can overseas studies apply?

Yes, if the study was previously MRC-supported and a UK research organisation is involved.

### What is the budget for this exercise?

Phase 1 studies are considered up to £1M per year and Phase 2 studies up to £200k per year.

### How long do the funding phases last?

Duration is nominally ten years, from 2029 to 2039, though Phase 3 studies have shorter timelines.

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

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