MRC Research Grant (applicant-led)

About this opportunity

The Medical Research Council's main applicant-led research grant funds ambitious projects across MRC's remit: research that sheds light on the causes and mechanisms of disease, or that helps speed up diagnosis, advance treatment and prevent illness. Projects can involve several research groups or organisations.

There is no upper limit on the funding you can ask for — the budget should be appropriate to the project. MRC pays 80% of the full economic cost (and 100% of approved exceptions) for up to five years. The call is open with no closing date.

The project lead must be employed by an eligible research organisation and must direct, and actively take part in, the work. Researchers at international organisations generally cannot lead an application, with an important exception for this region: project leads based at MRC Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, or the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, are eligible. Other international researchers can still join a UK-led application as a project co-lead (international). Note that MRC no longer accepts uninvited resubmissions of previously unsuccessful applications submitted after 1 April 2026.

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.

Eligibility

• The project lead must be employed by an eligible research organisation and direct and actively take part in the project.
• Researchers at international research organisations cannot lead, except those at MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM and the MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit.
• Other international researchers can join as a project co-lead (international) on a UK-led application.

• Nationality: see the requirements below or the official guidelines.
• Where it takes place: Gambia, Uganda, 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 the lead research organisation (UK, or the MRC units in The Gambia and Uganda). International researchers can join as project co-lead (international).

Required qualifications

Employment at an eligible research organisation, with the ability to direct the project.

Who should consider applying

Established medical and health researchers at eligible UK organisations or the MRC units in The Gambia and Uganda, and international researchers (including in Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa) who want to co-lead a UK-led MRC project.

Important restrictions

• You can only be project lead on one MRC applicant-led application at a time.
• Uninvited resubmissions of unsuccessful applications submitted after 1 April 2026 are rejected.
• Businesses, and charities that are not approved UKRI independent research organisations, can only take part as project partners.

How to apply

1. Check that the research grant (not new investigator or partnership) is the right MRC grant type — applications to the wrong type are rejected.
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 and research office.
4. Only the lead research organisation submits it to UKRI.

Preparing a strong application

• If you are outside the UK, read the UKRI project co-lead (international) policy and agree your role with a UK-based lead early.
• Researchers at the MRC units in The Gambia and Uganda can lead — confirm details with MRC via the official contacts.
• Make sure an earlier unsuccessful application is not treated as an uninvited resubmission; contact MRC if unsure.