Medical Research Council (MRC)
Small Molecule High-Throughput Screen Using AstraZeneca Facilities
16:00 UK time
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This MRC call funds academic researchers to run a small molecule high-throughput screen using AstraZeneca's compound library and screening facilities, aiming to discover new drug starting points. It suits UK-based academic teams with a validated target or assay ready for screening, and funds up to four projects per year, each worth up to £270,000 FEC over 12-18 months. Successful applicants typically embed at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months to run the screen alongside AstraZeneca scientists.
Details
| Funder | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
| Budget | Up to £270,000 FEC (£250,000 cost to MRC) |
| Deadline | 28 January 2027 |
| Duration | 12-18 months (typically 15 months) |
| Consortium | Required - host research organisation with AstraZeneca providing screening facilities and technical input |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Supports academic researchers (excluding international research organisations and commercial-led applications) to discover small molecule drug starting points using AstraZeneca's compound library and HTS facilities. MRC funds up to four projects per year; researchers are encouraged to embed at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months.
Who Should Apply
- •Academic researchers based at UK host research organisations
- •Teams with a validated drug target or screening assay ready to test
- •Applicants able to commit to embedding at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months
- •Not open to international research organisations or commercial-led applications
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 28 January 2027, 16:00 UK time
- •Single-stage application
- •12-18 month projects, typically 15 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓MRC funds only up to four projects per year, so make the case for target validation and assay readiness concrete and evidence-based rather than aspirational.
- ✓Plan for the AstraZeneca embedding period explicitly in the proposal timeline, reviewers will look for a realistic plan for working within AstraZeneca's Cambridge facilities.
- ✓Because this is a required consortium with AstraZeneca, secure named AstraZeneca collaborator input and a letter of support before submission rather than after.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the MRC small molecule HTS grant with AstraZeneca pay?
Up to £270,000 FEC per project, equivalent to £250,000 cost to MRC.
How many projects does MRC fund each year under this call?
MRC funds up to four projects annually through this scheme.
Do I need to work at AstraZeneca's site if I get this grant?
Researchers are encouraged to embed at AstraZeneca's Cambridge site for up to three months as part of the project.
Is this call open to international applicants?
No, eligibility is restricted to GB-based host research organisations, and international research organisations and commercial-led applications are excluded.
How long does the MRC-AstraZeneca HTS project last?
Projects run for 12-18 months, typically around 15 months.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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