Medical Research Council (MRC)
MRC Experimental Medicine
4:00pm UK time
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The MRC Experimental Medicine programme funds academically-led studies of human disease in UK research organisations, covering investigations into disease causes, progression, and treatment mechanisms in humans. The call supports both established and early-career researchers; the New Investigator Award track funds researchers transitioning to independence with salary capped at 50% FTE. International co-investigators are permitted, though costs from high-income countries are limited to 30% of the total budget.
Details
| Funder | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Budget | No limit stated; 80% of full economic cost funded |
| Deadline | 7 October 2026 |
| Duration | No fixed limit; typically 3 years for new investigator awards |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: stage one application → stage two full application (with SoECAT required at stage two) |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funds academically-led experimental medicine projects conducted in humans, investigating causes, progression and treatment of human disease. UK research organisations eligible as lead; international co-leads permitted (costs capped at 30% for high-income countries). Includes a New Investigator Award track for early-career researchers transitioning to independence (salary capped at 50% FTE). Clinical studies assessing safety/efficacy of treatments are ineligible.
Who Should Apply
- •UK research organisations as lead applicant (hospitals, universities)
- •Early-career researchers establishing independence (New Investigator Award track)
- •Established researchers conducting experimental human medicine
- •Projects investigating disease mechanisms, causes, or progression in humans
- •Teams with international collaborators at lower cost contribution
Key Dates
- •Deadline 7 October 2026 at 16:00 (UK time)
- •Two-stage application: stage one to stage two (SoECAT required at stage two)
- •Typically 3 years for new investigator awards
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The New Investigator Award caps salary at 50% FTE; structure your team plan around this constraint.
- ✓Clinical trials assessing safety or efficacy of treatments are out of scope; focus on mechanistic and exploratory studies in humans.
- ✓International co-costs are capped at 30% for high-income countries; clearly break out domestic vs. overseas costs in your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MRC Experimental Medicine programme fund?
Academically-led studies investigating the causes, progression, and treatment of human disease conducted in humans. Clinical trials assessing treatment safety or efficacy are ineligible.
Who can apply for MRC Experimental Medicine?
UK research organisations (universities, hospitals) as lead applicant. Early-career researchers can apply via the New Investigator Award track; established researchers are also eligible.
Can I include international collaborators in an MRC Experimental Medicine proposal?
Yes, international co-leads are permitted, but costs from high-income countries are capped at 30% of the total project budget.
What is the salary cap for the MRC Experimental Medicine New Investigator Award?
Salary is capped at 50% FTE for new investigator applicants establishing independence.
How long is a typical MRC Experimental Medicine award?
New investigator awards typically run for 3 years, though no fixed limit is stated for other tracks.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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