MRC New Investigator Research Grant (applicant-led)

About this opportunity

The New Investigator Research Grant from the UK's Medical Research Council helps researchers make the step from working on other people's projects to leading their own. It funds ambitious research within MRC's remit — work that improves understanding of the causes and mechanisms of disease, or helps speed up diagnosis, improve treatment and prevent illness.

There is no upper limit on the amount you can request; the budget should match the project. MRC pays 80% of the full economic cost (and 100% of approved exceptions) for up to five years, and the grant can cover up to half of the lead applicant's salary. The call is open with no closing date, so applications are accepted at any time.

You must be at the “transition to independence” stage described in MRC's skills and experience table, be the sole intellectual leader of the project, and have the support of an eligible UK host research organisation. People who have already led a research team or held a substantial grant as project lead are not eligible. Researchers based outside the UK cannot lead an application, but they can take part as a project co-lead (international) on a UK-led application if they make a major intellectual contribution.

Purpose & benefits

• No upper limit on the funding you can request.
• MRC funds 80% of the full economic cost and 100% of approved exceptions.
• Funding for up to five years, including up to 50% of your salary.

Eligibility

To apply as the project lead you must:

• have the support of an eligible UK host research organisation;
• be at the “transition to independence” stage in MRC's applicant skills and experience table;
• be the sole intellectual leader of the application.

You can apply as a postdoctoral research assistant, lecturer, junior fellow or other research staff, clinical or non-clinical, with any number of years of experience.

Researchers outside the UK cannot lead the application but can join a UK-led application as a project co-lead (international).

• Nationality: see the requirements below or the official guidelines.
• Where it takes place: United Kingdom.
• Field of study or work: Medical and health research within the MRC remit

Citizenship requirements

The official page sets no nationality requirement. Eligibility depends on having an eligible UK host research organisation; researchers outside the UK can join as project co-lead (international).

Required qualifications

Skills and experience matching the “transition to independence” stage of MRC’s applicant skills and experience table.

Who should consider applying

Early-career medical and health researchers who are ready to lead their own first substantial project from a UK research organisation, and international researchers who want to partner with them as co-leads.

Important restrictions

• Not for researchers who have already achieved independence (for example, previously led a research team or held a substantial grant as project lead).
• You can apply for this award at most twice.
• You can only be project lead on one MRC applicant-led application at a time (research, partnership or new investigator).
• You cannot apply while an application for a UKRI fellowship is under consideration.

How to apply

1. Check that you are applying for the right grant type — MRC rejects applications submitted to the wrong one (research, new investigator or partnership).
2. Select “Start application” on the official UKRI page and sign in to, or create, a UKRI Funding Service account.
3. Complete the application with your team; your host research organisation's office checks it.
4. Only the lead research organisation can submit it to UKRI.

Preparing a strong application

• Read MRC's applicant skills and experience table and make sure your track record matches the “transition to independence” stage.
• Agree hosting and support with your research organisation before you start.
• If you are an international collaborator, read the UKRI project co-lead (international) eligibility policy and make your contribution explicit in the application.
• Allow time for your research office's costing and approval.