Wellcome Accelerator Awards 2025 (up to £200,000) Deadline: 15 July, 2025

Applications are open for the Wellcome Accelerator Awards 2025. This scheme will support researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK to undertake activities that put them in a stronger position to reach their next career stage within academia. The funding can be used for research or research-adjacent activities, such as training, secondments, and networking.

Whether you are looking to gather preliminary data, attend specialist training, complete a secondment, build collaborative networks, or prepare high-impact publications or funding proposals, this scheme is designed to be flexible. You can propose a wide range of research or research-adjacent activities that align with your ambitions and will strengthen your academic profile.

Funding

• This prestigious scheme offers up to £200,000 for project expenses, alongside the applicant’s full salary (if required), for a funding period of up to 2 years.

Eligibility

The lead applicant must: 

• Self-identify as being from a:
  • Black heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Black African; Black Caribbean; Black Other; Mixed background (must include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).
  • Bangladeshi heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Bangladeshi Other; Mixed background (must include Bangladeshi backgrounds).
  • Pakistani heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Pakistani Other; Mixed background (must include Pakistani backgrounds).
• Currently be working in or ordinarily resident in the UK.
• Have completed a substantive period of research training relevant to their discipline by the time they submit the application. You must have either:
  • Completed a PhD (for example, in the life sciences) or an equivalent higher research degree, at a UK institution. You must have passed your viva examination by the application deadline. Or,
  • If you have not started a PhD or equivalent degree, at least four years’ equivalent research experience (for example, in the humanities and social sciences) at a UK institution.

Application

The next application deadline is July 15, 2025, and all submissions must be made through the Wellcome Funding Platform. A helpful information webinar will be held on 3 June 2025 at 11:00 BST, where the Wellcome team will guide applicants through the process and answer questions.

For more information, visit Wellcome Accelerator Awards.