MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE)

MRC CoRE Round 4 — Full

Supports cross-disciplinary medical research initiatives translating discoveries into applied health solutions and services.

The MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) Round 4 is the Medical Research Council's largest single funding vehicle, with a total pool of £50,000,000 co-funded with the UK Ministry of Defence. The programme establishes multi-disciplinary research centres tackling major biomedical and health challenges over a potential duration of fourteen years: an initial seven-year award subject to a year-six review, with a further seven-year extension possible on successful review. The minimum total award is £26,250,000, with the MRC contribution capped at £21,000,000; the remaining amount reflects MOD and institutional co-funding. Round 4 includes a co-funded highlight theme in Blood Products Innovation, reflecting the MOD partnership. The full application window runs from 14 May 2026 to 10 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time, with funding outcomes expected March 2027 and panel interviews scheduled 27–28 January 2027.

Stage Two full applications are invite-only: applicants must have successfully passed the CoRE Round 4 outline stage before submitting a full proposal. UK-based project leads are required; international researchers may serve as co-leads where they contribute unique expertise or access to facilities unavailable in the UK. Standard exclusions apply: businesses, charities, and third-sector organisations cannot lead unless they hold UKRI-approved Independent Research Organisation status. UKRI funds 80% of full economic costs. Up to two new MRC CoREs are expected to be established from this round.

Given the scale, duration, and MOD co-funding, applicants should expect detailed assessment of leadership, institutional infrastructure, and governance arrangements in addition to scientific merit. The Blood Products Innovation highlight may carry weight in final allocation decisions. Applications are submitted via the UKRI Funding Service; contact for scheme queries is CoRE@mrc.ukri.org.