The Medical Research Council (MRC) is offering grants to support innovative research projects in molecular and cellular medicine. This funding opportunity aims to advance our understanding of fundamental biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels, with the goal of improving human health.

Who Can Apply

To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be employed by a research organization that is eligible for Medical Research Council (MRC) funding. The principal investigator should have a strong track record in molecular and cellular medicine research.

Collaborative projects are encouraged, and the application can involve multiple research groups or organizations. This promotes interdisciplinary approaches and maximizes the potential impact of the research.

• Applicants must be based at eligible research organizations.
• There are no restrictions on the number of applications an institution can submit.

Funding Details

There is no limit to the amount of funding you can request; however, the requested budget must be well-justified and appropriate for the scope of the proposed research. The MRC will typically fund up to 80% of the project's full economic cost (fEC).

Projects can have a duration of up to five years, but the typical project length is between three and four years. The funding should cover all direct and indirect costs associated with the research, including personnel, equipment, and consumables.

This is an ongoing funding opportunity, meaning applications can be submitted in multiple rounds throughout the year. This provides flexibility for researchers to apply when their project is ready.

Key Research Areas

This funding call is focused on research within molecular and cellular medicine. The goal is to support projects that investigate the fundamental mechanisms of disease at the molecular and cellular level.

Research areas of interest include, but are not limited to, cell signaling, gene regulation, protein structure and function, and the molecular basis of inherited disorders. Projects that integrate multiple disciplines, such as genomics, proteomics, and imaging, are particularly encouraged.

The MRC is interested in supporting research that has the potential to translate into new diagnostic tools, therapies, and preventive strategies for a wide range of diseases.

Here are some potential research topics relevant to this call:
• Artificial Intelligence
• Material Science
• Life Science
• Microbiology

Application Process

The application process involves submitting a detailed research proposal that outlines the project's aims, methods, and expected outcomes. Applicants should clearly demonstrate the significance and potential impact of their research.

The proposal should also include a detailed budget, a timeline for the project, and information about the research team. All applications must be submitted electronically through the MRC's online application portal.

Ensure all eligibility criteria are met and that all required documents are included in the application. Incomplete or non-compliant applications may be rejected.

Important Dates

The opening date for this funding opportunity is May 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM UK time. The closing date for applications is September 4, 2025, at 4:00 PM UK time.

Shortlisting decisions will be made around January 29, 2026, and funding decisions will be made around March 25 to 26, 2026. Applicants will be informed of the funding decision within 10 working days of the funding decision meeting.

Future rounds for applications will open between September 2025 to January 2026 and January to May 2026, providing multiple opportunities to apply.