Independent Researcher: MRC Investigator Award

Opportunity status:
Upcoming

Funders:
Funding type:
Grant

Publication date: 27 November 2025

Opening date:
To be confirmed

Closing date:
Open - no closing date

Last updated: 11 December 2025 -

Apply for funding to take the next step towards becoming an independent researcher.

Your research must be in the remit of the Medical Research Council (MRC).

• the skills and experience to ‘transition to independence’
• the support of an eligible host research organisation

There is no limit to the funding you can apply for, but the typical full economic cost (FEC) of a project is under £1 million. MRC will usually fund 80% of the FEC.

This funding usually lasts three years and covers up to 50% of your salary.

This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility.

Who is eligible to apply

• have
• be able to show that your skills and experience match those in the ‘transition to independence’ stage of the
• use this grant to support your long-term career goals and chosen career route
• be able to demonstrate you are the sole intellectual leader of the application and the proposed work

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can also apply if you :

• are employed as a postdoctoral research assistant, although this grant cannot start until your current work finishes
• hold a lecturer appointment, a junior fellowship or another research staff position
• hold, or have held, an early career training fellowship such as an MRC skills development fellowship
• are not currently based at the eligible research organisation that has agreed to host your new investigator award
• are either a non-clinical or clinically active researcher
• have any number of years of experience

For applicants who do not have a contract of employment for the duration of the proposed project, by submitting an application the research organisation is confirming, if it is successful :

• contracts will be extended beyond the end date of the project
• all necessary support for the project and the applicants will be provided, including mentorship and career development for early career researchers

You are limited to submitting a maximum of two applications as project lead across MRC’s applicant-led responsive funding opportunities, and new investigator, in a rolling 12-month period. If you submit a third application within 12 months, the third application will be rejected.

We will not consider a previously unsuccessful application submitted to us, another research council or other funding body within 12 months of the original submission date, unless we have informed you that you may resubmit early.

An application that is substantially similar to a previous submission, with only minor changes is a resubmission. To be considered a new application, your application must be substantially different. You should contact us if you are unsure whether your application is a resubmission.

You are not eligible to apply if you have already achieved independence. New investigator awards support individuals who have not previously led a research team or been awarded a substantial grant as fellow or project lead (formally known as principal investigator).

A substantial grant is typically defined as for three or more years and including salary support for one or more additional team members.

• already hold or have held an award that facilitates the transition to independence
• have applied for an MRC new investigator award twice before
• have an application for any UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) fellowship currently under consideration, including a,or

If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility criteria or have any questions about your eligibility you should contactusto find out whether you can apply.

You are not eligible to apply for this funding opportunity as a project lead if you are based at an international research organisation. This does not include project leads from MRC Unit The Gambia or MRC / UVRI Uganda Research Unit at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

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