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Wellcome

Research Development Awards in Humanities, Social Science and Bioethics

Up to £1M3–5 years

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Wellcome's Research Development Awards in Humanities, Social Science and Bioethics funds interdisciplinary consortia of 2-7 researchers to conduct health-related research in the social sciences, humanities or bioethics, with grants up to £1 million over 3-5 years. The lead applicant must have demonstrated programme or network leadership experience, and all team members must hold permanent or long-term positions. This call supports both emerging and established research groups worldwide, except mainland China, with high-income country hosts required to demonstrate substantial co-funding.

Details

Funder Wellcome
Budget Up to £1M
Duration 3–5 years
Consortium Required — lead applicant plus at least one and up to six co-applicants; organisations can be the same or different; sub-agreements required if multiple host organisations

Eligibility & scope

Open to emerging or established research groups in health-related humanities, social sciences or bioethics. Lead applicant must have experience running a research programme; all applicants need permanent/open-ended contracts. Organisations worldwide eligible except mainland China. High-income country applicants must show significant additional resource commitment from their organisation or another funder.

Who Should Apply

  • •Researchers with programme or network leadership experience (lead applicant)
  • •Consortia of 2-7 researchers in permanent or long-term positions
  • •Research groups in health-related humanities, social sciences or bioethics
  • •Teams based at organisations worldwide, except mainland China
  • •High-income country hosts able to commit significant co-funding

Key Dates

  • •Verify deadline on Wellcome grants portal
  • •Consortium of 2-7 applicants required
  • •Project duration 3-5 years

Tips for Applicants

  • ✓The lead applicant's prior leadership experience is a gating criterion, emphasise concrete examples of network or programme stewardship in your CV.
  • ✓High-income country hosts face a co-funding bar; clarify resource commitments from your institution upfront to avoid delays during assessment.
  • ✓Consortia strength depends on complementary disciplinary expertise; use the team narrative to show how each member's role is distinct and essential.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the budget for Wellcome Research Development Awards?

Up to £1 million per consortium over a project duration of 3-5 years.

Can I apply as a solo researcher or do I need a consortium?

A consortium is required; you must assemble a team of 2-7 applicants, who can be based at the same or different organisations.

Who is eligible to be the lead applicant?

The lead applicant must have demonstrated programme or network leadership experience and hold a permanent or long-term contract.

Are researchers in mainland China eligible?

No, organisations and researchers based in mainland China are not eligible for this call.

Do high-income country teams need to find co-funding?

Yes, lead applicants hosted at high-income country institutions must demonstrate significant additional resource commitment alongside the Wellcome award.

wellcomehealth-humanitiesbioethicssocial-scienceconsortium-requiredresearch-developmentmid-career

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