This round closed on 28 July 2026. The details below are from that round.
Wellcome
Career Development Awards
July 2026 deadline; next deadline 17 November 2026. Three deadlines per year.
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Wellcome Career Development Awards support researchers transitioning to independent roles with grants usually below £250,000 per year, excluding salary, across biomedical, clinical, social sciences, arts & humanities, and data sciences. The award is open globally and runs on an annual cycle with a single-stage application leading to shortlisting and interviews. UK-based awardees may be eligible for Global Talent visa endorsement, making this a flexible scheme for establishing independent research programmes at any institution.
Details
| Funder | Wellcome |
| Budget | Usually below £250k/year (excluding applicant salary); ask for resources needed |
| Duration | Usually 8 years (may be less for some disciplines; may be longer if part-time) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Three times a year |
| Next round | 2026-11 |
| Eligible countries | GBIE |
Recently updated
catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: budget copied from duplicate sibling
Eligibility & scope
Mid-career researchers at UK, Republic of Ireland, or LMIC (excl. India & mainland China) not-for-profit institutions. Must contribute ≥80% research time. Covers salary (if eligible), staff costs (up to 4 FTE), and research expenses. Annual expenditure usually below £250k excl. applicant salary. No co-applicants accepted. Research must fit Wellcome Discovery Research scope and have potential to improve human health.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at the career development stage transitioning to independence
- •All nationalities welcome, hosted at institutions globally
- •Researchers across biomedical, clinical, social sciences, arts & humanities, or data sciences
- •UK-based applicants eligible for Global Talent visa endorsement support
Key Dates
- •Deadline 28 July 2026, 15:00 BST (July 2026 round)
- •Shortlisting October 2026; interviews 19-21 January 2027
- •Single-stage full application process
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Wellcome runs this scheme annually; if you miss the July deadline, the next round will open with notice; plan resubmission timing accordingly.
- ✓Your host institution must be willing to administer the grant, confirm this and secure a named commitment letter before submission.
- ✓Frame your application around independence and career transition, not just the science; reviewers assess readiness for leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I request in a Wellcome Career Development Award?
Grants are usually below £250,000 per year, excluding your own salary costs.
Who is eligible for a Wellcome Career Development Award?
Researchers at the career development stage across any discipline (biomedical, clinical, social sciences, arts & humanities, data sciences) are eligible globally.
What is the Wellcome Career Development Award application process?
Single-stage process: submit a full application by 28 July 2026; shortlisting occurs in October 2026; interviews are held 19-21 January 2027.
Can I apply for a Wellcome Career Development Award if I am based outside the UK?
Yes, the award is open to researchers and host institutions globally; applications are managed in English via the Wellcome Funding platform.
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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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