Wellcome
Seed Awards in Science
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Wellcome Seed Awards in Science provide up to £100,000 over two years for researchers with a PhD to develop novel ideas toward larger grant applications. The call targets early-career independent researchers at institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible low- and middle-income countries (excluding India), and funds pilot studies, preliminary data generation, and proof-of-principle work. Joint applications are not permitted, and applicants cannot currently hold Wellcome salary funding.
Details
| Funder | Wellcome |
| Budget | Up to £100,000 |
| Duration | Up to 2 years |
| Consortium | No |
| Eligible countries | GBIE |
Eligibility & scope
For researchers with a PhD wishing to develop a novel idea leading to a larger grant. Host institution must be in UK, Republic of Ireland, or LMIC (excluding India). Applicants cannot submit joint applications. Postdoctoral researchers employed on another grant are ineligible. Particularly encourages early-career independent researchers and interdisciplinary proposals.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers with a PhD seeking to develop a novel research idea
- •Early-career independent researchers establishing their research direction
- •Applicants at UK or Republic of Ireland institutions, or eligible LMIC institutions (excluding India)
- •Researchers generating preliminary data or proof-of-principle work to support a larger grant proposal
- •Applicants not currently holding Wellcome salary funding
Key Dates
- •Verify deadline on Wellcome website
- •Up to two-year project duration
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Frame your application as a stepping stone to a larger grant; Wellcome expects the preliminary work here to feed directly into a follow-on application.
- ✓Solo applicants only, joint applications are explicitly not permitted, so ensure your co-investigators (if any) are clearly positioned as mentors or advisors, not co-applicants.
- ✓If you hold any other Wellcome salary support, you are ineligible; check your co-funding agreements carefully before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I apply for with a Wellcome Seed Award?
Up to £100,000 over a maximum of two years.
Who is eligible for a Wellcome Seed Award in Science?
Researchers with a PhD at institutions in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or eligible low- and middle-income countries (excluding India), who are not currently holding Wellcome salary funding.
Can I apply jointly to a Wellcome Seed Award?
No, joint applications are not permitted; you must apply as a single independent applicant.
What kind of research does a Wellcome Seed Award fund?
Pilot and scoping studies, preliminary data generation, and proof-of-principle work designed to prepare for a larger grant application.
Can I hold a Wellcome Seed Award while receiving other Wellcome salary funding?
No, you cannot currently hold any Wellcome salary funding to be eligible for a Seed Award.
Related on Grantsby
- Wellcome writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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