Early Independence: Career Development Fellowship
Medical Research Council (MRC) · United Kingdom
Fellowship funding to support researchers transitioning to research independence within the Medical Research Council (MRC) remit. Supports applicants establishing their own research niche through an independent research programme. (UK Research and Innovation)
Summary
Deadline
15 Sept 2026
Updated
16 Oct 2026
Fellowship funding to support researchers transitioning to research independence within the Medical Research Council (MRC) remit. Supports applicants establishing their own research niche through an independent research programme. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligibility
Applicant types
See eligibility requirements
Industries
Biomedical and health research within MRC remit.
Match funding
No institutional match funding required beyond the standard FEC contribution.
Eligible applicants
Researchers with a PhD (or equivalent) demonstrating career consolidation, productivity and clear plans to establish an independent research niche. Must be hosted by an eligible UK research organisation. (UK Research and Innovation)
Funding and scope
Benefit amount
Not specified
Total fund available
Not specified
Funding intensity
80% FEC (approved exceptions funded at 100%).
Payment type
Not specified
Eligible scope
Research across the full MRC remit including molecular and cellular medicine, infection and immunity, neuroscience, population and systems medicine, methodology, global health and translational research. (UK Research and Innovation)
Eligible expenses
- Salary, research staff, technician support, research consumables, equipment, travel, training, data management and sharing, public partnerships, NHS research costs where eligible, estates and indirect costs under FEC rules. (UK Research and Innovation)
Ineligible costs
Not specified
Application and risks
Application platform
UKRI Funding Service
Competitiveness
Not specified.
Decision timeline
Shortlisting in February 2027; funding decision meeting 23–24 March 2027; applicants informed within approximately 10 working days after the decision meeting. (UK Research and Innovation)
Assessment process
Eligibility check, expert peer review, applicant response (where applicable), shortlisting and interview, followed by MRC funding decision. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application sections
- Vision; Approach; Applicant capability; Career history; Career development; Ethics and Responsible Research and Innovation; Resources and cost justification; Data management; Project partners; Host organisation support; References. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application components
Not specified
Required documents
Not specified
Appendices
- Only where requested in the opportunity guidance (for example project partner documentation or joint funding documentation). CVs are not uploaded separately. (UK Research and Innovation)
Assessment criteria
Not specified
Decision risks
Applications outside MRC remit, failing eligibility requirements or not following application guidance may be rejected. (UK Research and Innovation)
Timeline and partners
Opening date
23 Jun 2026
Project duration
Up to 5 years (pro rata if part time). (UK Research and Innovation)
Project start
Not specified
Project end
Not specified
Co-funders
- Optional joint funding available from The Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine, LifeArc, The Brain Tumour Charity, DEBRA UK, Diabetes UK, Kidney Research UK, Macular Society, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Parkinson's UK and others where specified. (UK Research and Innovation)
Collaboration rules
- Project partners permitted from UK or overseas academia, industry, NHS, charities or public sector where justified. Collaboration must strengthen delivery of the research programme. (UK Research and Innovation)
Consortium requirements
Not specified
Additional guidance
Document research last revised 2026-08-03.
Minimum Award
Not specified
Application Limit
Applicants may submit only one application to this MRC fellowship opportunity in a round. (UK Research and Innovation)
Research Category
Fellowship; Early Independence; Health and Biomedical Research
Subcontractors
Permitted where appropriately justified under UKRI rules.
Subsidy Scheme
Not specified.
Animal Research Rule
Projects involving animals must comply with the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 and UKRI animal welfare requirements. (UK Research and Innovation)
Interview Stage
Yes. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview. (UK Research and Innovation)
Key Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate independence potential, career progression, research excellence and a clear research vision within MRC remit. Host organisation support is mandatory. (UK Research and Innovation)
Important Notes
Generative AI may be used in preparing applications in accordance with UKRI policy. Applications cannot be amended after submission. From January 2026, eligible fellows relocating to the UK may request visa support for themselves and dependent family members. Future annual fellowship rounds are scheduled by MRC under the Fellowship Investment Framework. (UK Research and Innovation)
Application deadline in source document
15 September 2026, 4:00pm UK time (UK Research and Innovation)
Official source
Quick facts
- Status
- Closed
- Deadline
- 15 Sept 2026
- Funding amount
- Not specified
- Funding band
- Not specified
- Funding type
- Fellowship
- Payment type
- Not specified
- Audience
- See eligibility requirements
- Industry
- Biomedical and health research within MRC remit.
- Last updated
- 16 Oct 2026
- Published
- 5 Jun 2026