UK Wellcome Discovery Awards Scholarship 2026 (Fully Funded) Deadline: 25 November, 2025

UK Wellcome Discovery Awards Scholarship 2026 | Fully Funded Research Funding

The Wellcome Discovery Awards 2026 are among the world’s most prestigious research funding opportunities, designed to support established researchers and research teams pursuing transformative projects in health, life sciences, humanities, and technology.

Offered by the Wellcome Trust, this program funds bold, high-impact research that advances understanding of human life, health, and wellbeing. Grants typically amount to £3.5 million, supporting projects for up to eight years.

The awards foster innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term impact by giving researchers the freedom and resources to explore ambitious scientific ideas.

Degree Level

• PhD

• Research (Established Researchers)

Research Areas

The Wellcome Discovery Awards support projects across a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

• Clinical and Allied Health Sciences

• Public Health and Epidemiology

• Experimental Medicine

• Humanities and Social Sciences

Projects may be single-discipline or interdisciplinary, but they must align with Wellcome’s mission to improve global human health and wellbeing.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the Wellcome Discovery Award receive comprehensive funding to support all aspects of their research.

Funding Coverage:

• Research-related expenses

• Professional development and training

• Staff salaries (for co-applicants, where eligible)

• Materials, consumables, and equipment

• Fieldwork and travel allowances

• Access and overhead charges

• Public engagement and clinical research costs

• Open access publishing charges

• Overseas allowance and inflation adjustment

Duration: Up to 8 years (can be extended for part-time researchers or shorter for some disciplines).

Note: The award does not cover the lead applicant’s salary.

Eligible Nationalities

Applicants from the following regions are eligible:

• United Kingdom

• Republic of Ireland

• Low- and middle-income countries (except India and mainland China)

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Wellcome Discovery Awards, applicants must:

• Be established researchers with a proven record of research excellence.

• Propose bold and transformative research addressing global health or wellbeing challenges.

• Be affiliated with an eligible administering organization (university, research institute, healthcare institution, or not-for-profit).

• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, inclusion, and a positive research culture.

Not Eligible:

• Researchers leading more than one active Discovery Award submission.

• Projects transferring grant funds to mainland China.

• Activities outside the scope of Discovery Research.

Host Institutions

Eligible host organizations include not-for-profit entities such as:

• Universities

• Research institutes

• Healthcare organizations

• Social enterprises

These must be based in:

• The UK

• Republic of Ireland

• Eligible low- and middle-income countries (except India and mainland China)

Application Process

1. Prepare Proposal: Align your project with the Wellcome Discovery Research framework.

2. Register: Create an account on the Wellcome Funding Platform.

3. Submit Application: Complete and submit your proposal with institutional approval before the deadline.

4. Review Stage: Applications are evaluated by expert reviewers for quality, innovation, and feasibility.

5. Interview Stage: Shortlisted applicants present to the Discovery Award Interview Panel in London or online.

6. Final Decision: The Discovery Research Decision Board announces final results.

Key Dates for the 2026 Round

• Applications Open: 6 August 2025

• Deadline: 25 November 2025 (15:00 GMT)

• Shortlisting: February 2026

• Interviews: 19–21 May 2026

Why Apply for the Wellcome Discovery Awards 2026

The Wellcome Discovery Awards provide researchers with exceptional funding, flexibility, and recognition to pursue groundbreaking ideas that shape the future of health and science. With an emphasis on creativity, global collaboration, and long-term impact, these awards enable visionary researchers to lead the next generation of transformative discoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of the Wellcome Discovery Awards 2026?
The awards aim to support innovative, high-impact research that advances understanding of human health and wellbeing.

2. Who can apply for this funding?
Established researchers from the UK, Ireland, or eligible low- and middle-income countries (excluding India and mainland China).

3. What is the maximum funding amount?
The average funding is around £3.5 million, depending on the project’s scope and duration.

4. Can early-career researchers apply?
No, the award is designed for established researchers with a proven track record.

5. Is this a fully funded program?
Yes, it covers most research-related costs, though the lead applicant’s salary is not included.

6. How long does the funding last?
Projects can receive funding for up to eight years.

7. Are international collaborations allowed?
Yes, collaborative projects involving eligible institutions are encouraged.

8. When is the application deadline for 2026?
The deadline is 25 November 2025 at 15:00 GMT.

9. What fields of study are eligible?
Projects across health, science, technology, humanities, and social sciences are eligible.

10. Where can I apply?
Applications must be submitted online via the Wellcome Funding Platform before the official deadline.

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