Wellcome Early-Career Awards 2025
This award supports early-career researchers from any discipline to develop their independent research identity through innovative projects. Projects must aim to advance understanding related to human life, health, or wellbeing. By the end of the award, researchers should be equipped to lead their own independent research programme.
Eligibility:
You must:
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Be an early-career researcher
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Have completed a PhD (or equivalent) by the application deadline (22 May 2025)
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Have no more than 3 years postdoctoral experience, with allowances for career breaks, clinical work, or COVID-19 impact
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Be ready to design and deliver your own research project
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Contribute at least 80% of your research time to the award project
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Be based at an eligible non-profit institution in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (excluding mainland China and India)
Not eligible if you:
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Hold a tenured post (unless in a LMIC)
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Have a pending or active equivalent award
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Intend to transfer funds to mainland China
Funding Details:
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Duration: Usually 5 years (can be shorter depending on discipline, and longer if part-time)
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Funding amount: Your salary + up to £400,000 for research expenses
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Additional eligible costs not counted toward the £400k limit:
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Overheads
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Relocation
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Overseas allowances
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Disability and adjustment support
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Open access charges
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Public engagement/patient involvement
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Training, travel, and consumables
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Project Requirements:
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Research must fit Wellcome’s Discovery Research remit
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Should offer bold, creative, and high-quality scientific innovation
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Can be in any discipline including STEM, humanities, social sciences, public health, or clinical research
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Must show clear potential to improve human health or wellbeing
Application Process:
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Submit online via Wellcome Funding Platform
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Must include:
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Letters of support (current supervisor, clinical training lead if applicable)
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Budget details
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Assessment Stages:
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Shortlisting by Advisory Group
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Written expert review
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Interview in October 2025
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Final decision by Discovery Research Decision Board
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Key Dates:
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Applications Open: 27 February 2025
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Deadline: 22 May 2025, 17:00 BST
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Shortlisting: July 2025
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Interviews: 14–16 October 2025
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Start Date: Not earlier than 7 months after deadline
More Information & Application:
Email: [email protected]
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