# Research Development Awards in Humanities, Social Science and Bioethics

**Funder:** Wellcome
**Budget:** Up to £1M
**Duration:** 3–5 years
**Consortium:** Required — lead applicant plus at least one and up to six co-applicants; organisations can be the same or different; sub-agreements required if multiple host organisations
**Official call:** https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/research-development-awards-humanities-social-science-and-bioethics
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to emerging or established research groups in health-related humanities, social sciences or bioethics. Lead applicant must have experience running a research programme; all applicants need permanent/open-ended contracts. Organisations worldwide eligible except mainland China. High-income country applicants must show significant additional resource commitment from their organisation or another funder.

## Summary

Wellcome's Research Development Awards in Humanities, Social Science and Bioethics funds interdisciplinary consortia of 2-7 researchers to conduct health-related research in the social sciences, humanities or bioethics, with grants up to £1 million over 3-5 years. The lead applicant must have demonstrated programme or network leadership experience, and all team members must hold permanent or long-term positions. This call supports both emerging and established research groups worldwide, except mainland China, with high-income country hosts required to demonstrate substantial co-funding.

## Who should apply

- Researchers with programme or network leadership experience (lead applicant)
- Consortia of 2-7 researchers in permanent or long-term positions
- Research groups in health-related humanities, social sciences or bioethics
- Teams based at organisations worldwide, except mainland China
- High-income country hosts able to commit significant co-funding

## Key dates

- Verify deadline on Wellcome grants portal
- Consortium of 2-7 applicants required
- Project duration 3-5 years

## Tips for applicants

- The lead applicant's prior leadership experience is a gating criterion, emphasise concrete examples of network or programme stewardship in your CV.
- High-income country hosts face a co-funding bar; clarify resource commitments from your institution upfront to avoid delays during assessment.
- Consortia strength depends on complementary disciplinary expertise; use the team narrative to show how each member's role is distinct and essential.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget for Wellcome Research Development Awards?

Up to £1 million per consortium over a project duration of 3-5 years.

### Can I apply as a solo researcher or do I need a consortium?

A consortium is required; you must assemble a team of 2-7 applicants, who can be based at the same or different organisations.

### Who is eligible to be the lead applicant?

The lead applicant must have demonstrated programme or network leadership experience and hold a permanent or long-term contract.

### Are researchers in mainland China eligible?

No, organisations and researchers based in mainland China are not eligible for this call.

### Do high-income country teams need to find co-funding?

Yes, lead applicants hosted at high-income country institutions must demonstrate significant additional resource commitment alongside the Wellcome award.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/wellcome-research-development-awards-in-humanities-social-s-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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