MRC (UKRI)
Innovation Collaboration Fund
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The MRC Innovation Collaboration Fund supports feasibility, pilot and initial studies in functional genomics across the UK, including functional annotations, novel methods, disease-model perturbation, and computational approaches. Applicants must be MRC-eligible researchers at UK institutions; industrial partnerships are encouraged with matched funding required from partners. Projects must start within three months of award, and equipment over £10,000, estates costs, and IP protection are not fundable.
Details
| Funder | MRC (UKRI) |
| Consortium | Optional — independent researcher applications are eligible; industrial partner collaboration is encouraged and industrial partners are expected to provide matched funding (cash, in-kind or both) |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Supports feasibility, pilot or initial studies within the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative. Covers functional genomic annotations, novel methods, perturbation of disease systems, and computational approaches. Applicants must be MRC-eligible researchers at eligible UK organisations. Equipment ≥£10k, indirect/estates costs, and IP protection costs are excluded. Projects must start within 3 months of award.
Who Should Apply
- •MRC-eligible researchers based at UK institutions
- •Researchers planning functional genomics projects: annotations, perturbation studies, or computational methods
- •Applicants open to industrial collaboration with partners able to contribute matched funding
- •Teams with a realistic project timeline enabling start within three months of award
Key Dates
- •Applications listed on Grantsby from 29 July 2026 onwards (verify exact deadline on MRC website)
- •Single-stage written assessment
- •Funded projects must commence within 3 months of award date
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Industrial matched funding is expected if you name partners; make the source and type (cash or in-kind) explicit in your costing.
- ✓Equipment over £10k and estates costs are ineligible; scope your experimental design accordingly, pilot studies should use existing facilities.
- ✓Emphasise feasibility and deliverables within the tight three-month start window; reviewers screen for realistic timelines on early-stage work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply to the MRC Innovation Collaboration Fund as an independent researcher without a partner?
Yes, independent applications are eligible. Industrial partnerships are optional but encouraged, though partners must provide matched funding.
What research areas does the MRC Innovation Collaboration Fund cover?
Functional genomic annotations, novel methods, perturbation of disease systems, and computational approaches within the UK Human Functional Genomics Initiative.
Can I buy equipment with MRC Innovation Collaboration Fund money?
Equipment costing £10,000 or more is not fundable; consumables and smaller items within pilot budgets may be eligible, check with MRC.
When must a funded project start?
Projects must commence within three months of the award date.
Related on Grantsby
- MRC (UKRI) writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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