This round closed on 21 July 2026. The details below are from that round.
The Wellcome Early-Career Award guide lists the next deadline if Wellcome announces one.
Wellcome
Wellcome Early-Career Award
July 2026 round deadline; three rounds per year
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Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
The Wellcome Early-Career Award funds early-career researchers (≤3 years postdoctoral experience) with salary support plus up to £400,000 for research expenses over a five-year project. The grant is open to researchers at not-for-profit institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, and eligible low- and middle-income countries, and requires ≥80% research time commitment. Wellcome runs three application rounds per year, with the next deadline in July 2026.
Details
| Funder | Wellcome |
| Budget | Salary + up to £400,000 for research expenses |
| Duration | Usually 5 years (may be less for some disciplines; may be longer if part-time) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | Single stage |
| Frequency | Three times a year |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | GBIE |
Recently updated
catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: duplicate row (canonical sibling kept)
Eligibility & scope
For early-career researchers (PhD passed + ≤3 years postdoc) at UK, Republic of Ireland, or LMIC (excl. India & mainland China) not-for-profit institutions. Must contribute ≥80% research time. No co-applicants accepted. Covers any discipline with health relevance. Funds cannot be transferred to mainland China.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers within 3 years of completing postdoctoral training
- •Based at not-for-profit institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible LMICs
- •Can commit ≥80% of time to research
- •Discovery research aligned with improving human health or wellbeing
Key Dates
- •Deadline 21 July 2026
- •Three application rounds per year
- •Usually five-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓No co-applicants allowed; this is a solo investigator scheme, so ensure your research narrative stands independently.
- ✓Your 80% research-time commitment is gating, make clear how the remaining 20% (teaching, clinical, admin) will be managed.
- ✓Wellcome Discovery Research scope is broad but health-focused; frame your research contribution to human health explicitly, even for fundamental work.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Wellcome Early-Career Award pay?
The award covers your salary plus up to £400,000 for research expenses, typically over five years.
Who is eligible for the Wellcome Early-Career Award?
Researchers within 3 years of completing postdoctoral training, based at not-for-profit institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible LMICs, who can commit at least 80% of their time to research.
Can I apply to the Wellcome Early-Career Award with co-investigators?
No, this is a solo investigator scheme; co-applicants are not accepted.
How often can I apply for the Wellcome Early-Career Award?
Wellcome runs three application rounds per year, so you can apply up to three times annually if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Related on Grantsby
- Wellcome writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
- Wellcome Early-Career Award, full programme guide
Eligibility, budget, success rates, application timeline, FAQ.
- Wellcome Early-Career Award past winners & funded projects
Recent recipients, host institutions, and funded project titles. See who tends to win before you apply.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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