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Medical Research Council

Early independence: career development fellowship

A fellowship for medical researchers taking a first step towards independence.

OpenMedical Research CouncilUnited Kingdom

This fellowship supports talented researchers with a higher research degree to lead their own research plans, establish an independent research niche and begin building their own research team.

It is for individuals whose research focus is within MRC remit to improve human health, who can show career consolidation and productivity across past appointments, and who have support from an eligible UK…

In scope: research within MRC remit to improve human health, ranging from basic studies with relevance to mechanisms of disease to translational and developmental clinical research. MRC science areas include infections and immunity; molecular and cellular medicine; population and systems medicine; neurosciences and mental health; translation; global health; methodology; and public health. Global health research should align with MRC’s core remit spanning biomedical discovery research to early translational research. Normally, fellowships would not be a suitable route to establish longitudinal population studies. Until further notice, MRC will only accept applications for core infrastructure support for existing longitudinal population studies with previous MRC support.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.15 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.60 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.In-kind assistance
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.20%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.—

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-181505Source: www.ukri.org