This funding opportunity from the Medical Research Council (MRC) supports research into the causes, progression, and treatment of human disease through experimental medicine. This is an invitation-only, stage two application process.

Key Dates and Funding Details

The stage two application opens on 8 July 2025 at 9:00am UK time and closes on 3 September 2025 at 4:00pm UK time. The funding decision meeting is scheduled for 3 to 4 December 2025.

The total available fund is £10,000,000. There is no limit to the amount of funding applicants can request or the duration of the project.

The MRC will fund 80% of the project's full economic cost. Future rounds of stage two applications (invite only) are scheduled from July 2026 to September 2026.

Project Focus and Requirements

Proposed projects must focus on a mechanistic hypothesis. A critical component is the inclusion of an experimental intervention or challenge in humans.

The primary goal is to investigate the underlying mechanisms of human disease. This involves designing experiments that directly test the proposed mechanisms.

Successful projects will provide insights into disease etiology, progression, and potential therapeutic targets. The research should ultimately contribute to improved treatments and patient outcomes.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be based at an eligible research organisation. This ensures that the research has the necessary infrastructure and support.

If you are transitioning towards becoming an independent researcher, you may be eligible to apply as a ‘new investigator’. This category supports early-career researchers.

Ensure your institution meets the MRC's eligibility criteria before applying. Check the MRC website for a list of eligible research organizations.

• Must be based at an eligible research organisation

• New investigators are encouraged to apply

Application Process

This is an ongoing funding opportunity, but applications are by invitation only for stage two. You must have successfully completed stage one to be eligible.

The application process involves submitting a detailed research proposal. This includes methodology, expected outcomes, and budget justification.

Carefully review the application guidelines and ensure all required documents are included. Incomplete applications may not be considered.