# Springboard Awards

**Funder:** Wellcome
**Budget:** Up to £125,000
**Duration:** 2 years
**Consortium:** No - individual applicant; co-applicants not accepted
**Application:** Single stage
**TRL:** Any
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/springboard-awards
**Last updated:** 2 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

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

## Summary

The Wellcome Springboard Award provides up to £200,000 for early-career researchers in the UK establishing independent research groups, with funding available for projects up to two years. This rolling call targets researchers taking their first independent step, across all research areas supported by Wellcome. Applications are evaluated in a single stage on a continuous basis.

## Who should apply

- Early-career researchers establishing their first independent research group
- Researchers based at UK institutions
- Applicants across all research areas Wellcome supports
- Researchers ready to move from postdoctoral or equivalent roles to group leadership

## Key dates

- Rolling deadline, apply at any time
- Single-stage evaluation
- Projects funded for up to two years

## Tips for applicants

- Lead with independence: highlight what is genuinely new about your research direction relative to your prior roles.
- The rolling format means you do not wait for a fixed deadline, but also that review times may vary, clarify turn-around expectations with Wellcome before investing heavily in revisions.
- Wellcome values impact alongside excellence, articulate how your work will benefit research practice or public understanding, not only discovery.

## Frequently asked questions

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

Up to £200,000 per project.

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

Early-career researchers based at UK institutions who are establishing independent research groups.

### When can I apply for the Wellcome Springboard Award?

The award operates on a rolling basis, so you can submit your application at any time.

### How long can a Wellcome Springboard Award project last?

Projects are funded for up to two years.

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

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