# Springboard Awards

**Funder:** Wellcome
**Budget:** Up to £125,000
**Duration:** 2 years
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/springboard-awards
**Last verified:** 29 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For basic biomedical scientists within 5 years of first independent post (e.g. lecturer), based at an eligible UK higher education institution. Practising clinicians are not eligible. Co-applicants not accepted. Covers research expenses, equipment, research assistance, and travel; personal salary costs excluded. Administered by the Academy of Medical Sciences.

## Summary

Wellcome Springboard Awards fund early-career biomedical researchers up to £125,000 over two years to establish independent research groups at UK universities. The scheme targets scientists within five years of their first independent position (e.g. lecturer) and covers research expenses, equipment, assistance, and travel, but not personal salary. Applications open annually in spring with funding from Wellcome in partnership with the Academy of Medical Sciences.

## Who should apply

- Basic biomedical scientists within 5 years of their first independent position (e.g. lecturer)
- Researchers based at eligible UK higher education institutions
- Solo investigators only, no co-applicants accepted
- Non-clinician researchers (practising clinicians are excluded)

## Key dates

- Annual deadline in spring (next expected round March 2027)
- Single-stage application and assessment
- Two-year project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Springboard is explicitly designed as a stepping stone into larger Wellcome schemes; frame your application as a proof-of-concept for a future larger grant.
- Personal salary costs are not covered; budget costs must be direct research expenses, equipment, assistance, and travel only.
- Solo investigator model: emphasise your independence and leadership; evidence of separation from your PhD/postdoctoral supervisor strengthens applications.

## Frequently asked questions

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

Up to £125,000 over two years. The award covers research expenses, equipment, research assistance, and travel, but not personal salary costs.

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

Basic biomedical scientists within 5 years of their first independent post (such as lecturer) at an eligible UK higher education institution. Practising clinicians are excluded.

### Does the Wellcome Springboard Award accept co-applicants?

No, this is a solo investigator award; co-applicants are not permitted.

### When do Wellcome Springboard Award applications open?

Applications open annually in spring. The next expected round opens 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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