Wellcome

Discovery Awards

Average £3.5M; applications above £5M subject to additional scrutinyUp to 8 years (average 7 years; may be less for some disciplines or longer if part-time)

Upcoming deadline in September 2026

Last updated: 2 Sept 2026

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This call page belongs to the Wellcome Discovery Award programme. The programme guide covers eligibility, budget, success rate and FAQ across every round.

The Wellcome Discovery Award funds bold, interdisciplinary research projects with a clear link to human health, offering up to £8.8 million over up to eight years. It is open to established research teams led by investigators with international standing in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or OECD low- and middle-income countries. The award covers all resources needed for the research, with rolling open calls (three rounds per fiscal year).

Details

Funder	Wellcome
Budget	Average £3.5M; applications above £5M subject to additional scrutiny
Duration	Up to 8 years (average 7 years; may be less for some disciplines or longer if part-time)
Consortium	Optional — coapplicants accepted; team size usually 2–8 applicants including lead; individual applications also permitted
Application	2-stage: preliminary → full
TRL	Discovery science
Frequency	Annual
Next round	2026-09
Eligible countries	GBIE

Eligibility & scope

For established researchers or teams pursuing bold, creative research with potential to improve human health. Lead applicant must be based at a UK, Republic of Ireland, or LMIC (excl. India and mainland China) not-for-profit institution with a permanent/open-ended contract. Research can span any discipline including STEM, humanities, social science, and public health. Grant funds cannot be transferred to mainland China.

Who Should Apply

•Established researchers and research teams with international standing
•Lead investigators based in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or OECD low- and middle-income countries
•Interdisciplinary projects across any discipline with demonstrable health impact
•Teams with the resources and track record to execute large, ambitious programmes
•Not suitable for large-scale clinical trials

Key Dates

•Rolling open calls with three submission windows per fiscal year
•Up to eight-year project duration
•Covers all resources and consumables needed

Tips for Applicants

✓Wellcome values boldness and creativity; position your research question as ambitious and distinctive, not incremental.
✓International standing is a gating criterion, lead PI track record and visibility are as important as the science itself.
✓Ensure a clear, specific health link, even for fundamental research; vague or distant connections weaken applications here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Wellcome Discovery Award fund?

Up to £8.8 million per project over up to eight years, covering all resources and consumables needed.

Who can apply for the Wellcome Discovery Award?

Established research teams led by investigators with international standing, based in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or OECD low- and middle-income countries (excluding China and India).

What types of research does the Wellcome Discovery Award fund?

Bold, creative research questions across any discipline with a clear link to human health, excluding large-scale clinical trials.

How often can I apply to the Wellcome Discovery Award?

Wellcome runs three rolling submission windows per fiscal year, so you can apply multiple times.

wellcomediscovery-awardestablished-investigatormid-careerfundamental-researchtranslational-researchhealth-researchrolling-calls

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Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
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Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.

View full call → Wellcome writing tips

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Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.