MRC (UKRI)
MRC Centre of Research Excellence Round Five
Webinar for applicants on 25 November 2026; outline deadline not stated in this segment
Last updated:
No deadline is on file for this call. Check MRC (UKRI)'s own call page for the current round's status before you plan around it.
The MRC Centre of Research Excellence Round Five funds major, long-term interdisciplinary health research centres across the UK, providing up to £21 million MRC contribution (80% of up to £26.25 million full economic cost) for the first seven years, plus up to £500,000 in start-up equipment costs. Lead applicants must be UK-eligible research organisations; international co-leads and partner organisations are welcome, but external partners cannot hold the lead. This is a two-stage call (outline application then invited full application) aimed at teams tackling complex biomedical challenges that require sustained, integrated effort across disciplines.
Details
| Funder | MRC (UKRI) |
| Budget | Up to £21M MRC contribution (80% of up to £26.25M FEC) for first 7 years; up to £500k start-up costs for equipment |
| Duration | Up to 14 years (7-year initial period with review in year 6) |
| Consortium | Optional — project partners and collaborations are assessed but a single lead organisation applies; co-funding partners may be involved |
| Application | 2-stage: outline application → full application (with external peer review and panel interview) |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funds MRC Centres of Research Excellence (CoREs) in the UK. Lead organisation limit of one application per organisation; resubmissions only if invited. Costs submitted in GBP; mid-range equipment (>£138k single item) requires justification. Proposals must address ethical/RRI considerations, public partnerships, research culture, and Trusted Research & Innovation obligations.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-eligible research organisations (universities, NHS trusts, research institutes) as lead applicants
- •Large interdisciplinary teams addressing complex biomedical challenges requiring sustained, integrated effort
- •Consortia with academic, clinical, and/or international partners, or single-organisation applications
- •Applicants able to demonstrate or secure external co-funding to double the MRC investment by year 7
- •Research that is not primarily clinical trials or longitudinal population studies
Key Dates
- •Expression of interest (voluntary) by 4:00pm UK time on 8 December 2026
- •Two-stage: outline application followed by invited full application
- •Up to 14 years total (7-year initial funding with review in year 6 for continuation)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓External co-funding is not optional: the call explicitly expects you to double the MRC contribution through other sources by year 7, so start mapping funding partnerships early.
- ✓Lead organisation must be UK-eligible; if you are an international team, identify a UK institution as lead and structure international co-leads as formal partners to the application.
- ✓Clinical trials and longitudinal population studies are out of scope; centres tackling mechanistic, translational, or technology-driven questions score better.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the MRC Centre of Research Excellence fund?
Up to £21 million MRC contribution (80% of up to £26.25 million full economic cost) for the initial seven years, plus up to £500,000 in start-up equipment costs.
Who can be the lead applicant for an MRC Centre of Research Excellence?
A UK-eligible research organisation such as a university, NHS trust, or research institute; businesses, charities, and international organisations cannot lead but may participate as partners.
How long does an MRC Centre of Research Excellence last?
Up to 14 years total: seven years of initial funding followed by a review in year 6, with potential continuation for a further seven years.
Can I apply as a single organisation or must I form a consortium?
Both are acceptable; applications can come from a single UK-eligible organisation or a partnership of organisations including international co-leads.
What types of research are not fundable under this call?
Clinical trials and longitudinal population studies are not eligible; the call prioritises centres undertaking mechanistic, translational, or technology-focused research.
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