Pre-clinical Translational Mode

Application Limit: Only one application as project lead per eligible research organisation

Application Platform: UKRI Funding Service

Assessment Process: Two-stage assessment. Shortlisting panel selects two to three applications. Shortlisted applicants invited to interview

Core Aim: Develop accurate predictive pre-clinical human in vitro models. Lower therapeutic attrition. Accelerate medicines discovery.

Data Management Requirement: Mandatory data management plan aligned with MRC data sharing policies

Decision Authority: MRC makes final funding decision

Decision Risks: Applications outside scope rejected. Failure to meet eligibility or required sections results in rejection. Only one Hub will be funded.

Decision Timeline: Assessment completed within approximately seven weeks after submission

Eligible Expenses: Leadership salaries proportionate to contribution. Research staff and technicians. Professional enabling staff. Mid-range and large equipment. Travel. Data sharing and preservation. Technology platforms. Public partnerships. Environmental sustainability initiatives. Estates and indirect costs. Website creation and maintenance.

Eligible Research Scope: Development and validation of complex human in vitro disease models including organoids, organ-on-a-chip and complex iPSC co-cultures

Environmental Sustainability Requirement: Must outline environmental sustainability strategy aligned with host organisation policies

Expert Review: Assessed by independent expert panel. No external written peer review

Funding Rate: 80% of full economic cost. Approved exceptions funded at 100%

Governance Requirements: Clear governance structure. Risk management plans. IP and contracts management strategy. Sustainability planning beyond funding period

Host Institution Support Required: Laboratory space. Facilities. Digital infrastructure. HR and finance support. Estates management. Underpinning of key staff positions

Important Notes: Only one Hub will be funded nationally. Funding is conditional on approval of a full business case. The Hub must demonstrate existing capacity and capability. Strong institutional support is essential.

Ineligible Expenses: Studentships. Open access costs. Buildings and infrastructure. Clinical trials. Longitudinal population studies. Training available via existing routes.

Ineligible Lead Organisations: Businesses, charities and third sector organisations cannot lead but may participate as project partners

Ineligible Research Scope: Development of healthy tissue models purely for toxicology or safety testing for phase 1 trials

International Collaboration Rules: Must comply with UKRI Trusted Research and Innovation principles

International Participation: International researchers may act as international co-leads but cannot lead the application

IP Requirements: Compulsory IP section. Must outline background IP, foreground IP and management strategy. No exclusive rights anticipated for businesses over arising IP

Key Assessment Areas: Approach and risk management. Hub environment and governance. Leadership capability. Ethical considerations. Resource justification

Latest Start Date: Must start by 14 November 2026

Leadership Requirement: Project lead must direct the Hub and be part of the leadership team

Mandatory Intent to Apply Deadline: 2026-04-15 00:00:00

Match Funding Requirement: No institutional match funding required beyond standard 20% FEC contribution

Maximum Full Economic Cost: Up to £25 million

Maximum MRC Contribution: Up to £20 million

Project Duration: Up to 42 months

Publication Date: 2026-03-02 00:00:00

Renewal Rules: Not specified

SoECAT Requirement: Required only if conducting clinical research using NHS resources

Strategic Objectives: Increase access to state-of-the-art technologies and human samples. Develop AI tools for data interrogation. Position the UK as a global leader in in vitro model development. Reduce use of animals in science.