# Wellcome Early-Career Award

**Funder:** Wellcome
**Budget:** Salary + up to £400,000 for research expenses
**Deadline:** 21 July 2026 (July 2026 round deadline; three rounds per year)
**Duration:** Usually 5 years (may be less for some disciplines; may be longer if part-time)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage
**Frequency:** Three times a year
**Eligible countries:** GB, IE
**Official call:** https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/wellcome-early-career-awards
**Last verified:** 21 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For early-career researchers (PhD passed + ≤3 years postdoc) at UK, Republic of Ireland, or LMIC (excl. India & mainland China) not-for-profit institutions. Must contribute ≥80% research time. No co-applicants accepted. Covers any discipline with health relevance. Funds cannot be transferred to mainland China.

## Summary

The Wellcome Early-Career Award funds early-career researchers (≤3 years postdoctoral experience) with salary support plus up to £400,000 for research expenses over a five-year project. The grant is open to researchers at not-for-profit institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, and eligible low- and middle-income countries, and requires ≥80% research time commitment. Wellcome runs three application rounds per year, with the next deadline in July 2026.

## Who should apply

- Researchers within 3 years of completing postdoctoral training
- Based at not-for-profit institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible LMICs
- Can commit ≥80% of time to research
- Discovery research aligned with improving human health or wellbeing

## Key dates

- Deadline 21 July 2026
- Three application rounds per year
- Usually five-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- No co-applicants allowed; this is a solo investigator scheme, so ensure your research narrative stands independently.
- Your 80% research-time commitment is gating, make clear how the remaining 20% (teaching, clinical, admin) will be managed.
- Wellcome Discovery Research scope is broad but health-focused; frame your research contribution to human health explicitly, even for fundamental work.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Wellcome Early-Career Award pay?

The award covers your salary plus up to £400,000 for research expenses, typically over five years.

### Who is eligible for the Wellcome Early-Career Award?

Researchers within 3 years of completing postdoctoral training, based at not-for-profit institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible LMICs, who can commit at least 80% of their time to research.

### Can I apply to the Wellcome Early-Career Award with co-investigators?

No, this is a solo investigator scheme; co-applicants are not accepted.

### How often can I apply for the Wellcome Early-Career Award?

Wellcome runs three application rounds per year, so you can apply up to three times annually if you meet the eligibility criteria.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/wellcome-early-career-award-2026-07) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.