MRC (UKRI)
UK Obesity Research Institute (UK-ORI)
Full application window not yet open; webinar for potential applicants on 2 September 2026
Last verified:
The UK Obesity Research Institute, funded by the Medical Research Council (UKRI), offers up to £60 million over seven years to establish a national, director-led research hub focused on the mechanistic biomedical science of obesity. The consortium-based award targets UK universities and research institutes leading multi-site partnerships to investigate pathophysiology, cardiometabolic consequences, prevention, and treatment. One award is expected; the call is one-off and subject to business case approval.
Details
| Funder | MRC (UKRI) |
| Budget | Up to £60M (80% FEC) |
| Duration | 7 years (with potential to renew) |
| Consortium | Required — multi-site hub-and-partner model; lead must be a single eligible UK research organisation with partner research sites |
| Application | Single stage (full application); applicants encouraged to contact MRC before submitting |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funds a national, director-led UK Obesity Research Institute focused on mechanistic biomedical science of obesity (pathophysiology, cardiometabolic consequences, prevention and treatment). Lead applicant must be a UK research organisation (universities/research institutes); businesses and charities cannot lead. International researchers may participate as co-leads (international) but cannot lead. One award expected. Funding subject to full business case approval.
Who Should Apply
- •UK universities or research institutes capable of serving as the lead organisation and director of a multi-site research hub
- •Consortia with multiple partner research sites and demonstrated integration capacity
- •Research teams with expertise spanning pathophysiology, cardiometabolic science, prevention, and clinical treatment
- •International co-leads may participate but cannot hold the lead position
Key Dates
- •Full application window not yet open; webinar for potential applicants on 2 September 2026
- •Single-stage full application
- •Seven-year project duration with potential renewal
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Contact the MRC before submitting; early engagement with the programme team is encouraged and can clarify consortium structure expectations.
- ✓Design the hub around a named director with institutional backing; this is not a standard investigator grant but a national infrastructure award.
- ✓The multi-site partnership must demonstrate genuine integration, not just co-authorship; articulate how sites share governance, data, and strategic direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget for the UK Obesity Research Institute grant?
Up to £60 million at 80% Full Economic Cost over seven years for a single consortium-based award.
Who can lead the UK Obesity Research Institute?
A UK university or research institute must serve as the lead organisation; businesses, charities, and international researchers cannot lead, though international co-leads may participate.
Is consortium participation mandatory?
Yes, the award requires a multi-site hub-and-partner model with a lead UK research organisation and multiple partner research sites.
When does the application window open?
The full application window has not yet opened; an informational webinar for potential applicants is scheduled for 2 September 2026.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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