Pre-clinical translational models hub

[{"label":"Mandatory Intent to Apply Deadline","value":"15 April 2026"},{"label":"Latest Start Date","value":"Must start by 14 November 2026"},{"label":"Maximum Full Economic Cost","value":"Up to £25 million"},{"label":"Maximum MRC Contribution","value":"Up to £20 million"},{"label":"Application Limit","value":"Only one application as project lead per eligible research organisation"},{"label":"Ineligible Lead Organisations","value":"Businesses, charities and third sector organisations cannot lead but may participate as project partners"},{"label":"Core Aim","value":"Develop accurate predictive pre-clinical human in vitro models. Lower therapeutic attrition. Accelerate medicines discovery."},{"label":"Strategic Objectives","value":"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."},{"label":"Eligible Research Scope","value":"Development and validation of complex human in vitro disease models including organoids, organ-on-a-chip and complex iPSC co-cultures"},{"label":"Ineligible Research Scope","value":"Development of healthy tissue models purely for toxicology or safety testing for phase 1 trials"},{"label":"Host Institution Support Required","value":"Laboratory space. Facilities. Digital infrastructure. HR and finance support. Estates management. Underpinning of key staff positions"},{"label":"Governance Requirements","value":"Clear governance structure. Risk management plans. IP and contracts management strategy. Sustainability planning beyond funding period"},{"label":"IP Requirements","value":"Compulsory IP section. Must outline background IP, foreground IP and management strategy. No exclusive rights anticipated for businesses over arising IP"},{"label":"Data Management Requirement","value":"Mandatory data management plan aligned with MRC data sharing policies"},{"label":"Environmental Sustainability Requirement","value":"Must outline environmental sustainability strategy aligned with host organisation policies"},{"label":"Expert Review","value":"Assessed by independent expert panel. No external written peer review"},{"label":"Decision Authority","value":"MRC makes final funding decision"},{"label":"SoECAT Requirement","value":"Required only if conducting clinical research using NHS resources"},{"label":"International Collaboration Rules","value":"Must comply with UKRI Trusted Research and Innovation principles"},{"label":"Renewal Rules","value":"Not specified"},{"label":"Important Notes","value":"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."}]