# Springboard Awards

**Funder:** Academy of Medical Sciences
**Budget:** Up to £125,000
**Duration:** Two years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant; co-applicants not accepted
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://acmedsci.ac.uk/grants-and-schemes/grant-schemes/springboard/institutions-and-champions
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For basic biomedical scientists within five years of their first independent post (e.g. lecturer), based at an eligible UK higher education institution with host organisation support. Not open to practising clinicians or those holding significant research funding; funds research expenses, equipment, assistance and travel, not personal salary.

## Summary

Wellcome's Springboard Awards fund up to £125,000 over two years for basic biomedical scientists in the UK who are within five years of starting their first independent post, such as a lectureship. The money covers research expenses, equipment, assistance and travel, not personal salary, and is aimed at researchers without significant existing research funding. New funding rounds open every spring, with the next expected in March 2027.

## Who should apply

- Early-career basic biomedical scientists within five years of their first independent post (e.g. lecturer)
- Applicants salaried by a UK host institution
- Researchers without significant existing research funding
- Individual applicants only - coapplicants and consortium partners not accepted
- Not open to practising clinicians

## Key dates

- New funding rounds open every spring, annually; next expected round March 2027
- Two-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- This is strictly an individual award - do not structure the proposal around coapplicants or a consortium, as these are not accepted.
- Budget only for research expenses, equipment, assistance and travel; personal salary costs are not covered so your host must confirm your salary separately.
- Emphasise the lack of significant existing research funding, since this eligibility point is explicitly screened.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Wellcome Springboard Award pay?

Up to £125,000 over two years, covering research expenses, equipment, assistance and travel.

### Who is eligible for the Wellcome Springboard Award?

Basic biomedical scientists in the UK within five years of their first independent post, such as a lectureship, who are salaried by their host and lack significant existing research funding.

### Can clinicians apply for the Wellcome Springboard Award?

No, practising clinicians are not eligible for this award.

### Can I apply with coapplicants for the Wellcome Springboard Award?

No, this is an individual applicant award and coapplicants are not accepted.

### When does the Wellcome Springboard Award open next?

New rounds open every spring, with the next round expected in March 2027.

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

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