Wellcome Early-Career Awards 2026

About

This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Through innovative projects, they will deliver shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the award, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme.

• Lead applicant career stage: Early-career researcher
• Administering organisation location: UK, Republic of Ireland, Low- or middle-income countries (apart from India and mainland China)
• Frequency: Apply anytime - Applications are accepted year-round
• Funding amount: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses. Certain costs do not count towards the £400,000 research expenses limit. Check ‘Research costs we’ll cover’ for more information.
• Funding duration: Usually 5 years, but may be less for some disciplines, and may only be longer if held on a part-time basis.

From 29 October 2026, we will only accept applications from lead applicants based at eligible administering organisations in the UK and low- and middle-income countries in Africa, South Asia and South-East Asia. Any applications submitted to Wellcome on or before 28 October 2026 will be assessed under the current location eligibility requirements.

There are no deadlines for applications to this scheme. Applications can be submitted at any time.

What to expect from an Early-Career Award

You can apply to this scheme if you are an early-career researcher and you are ready to design, plan and deliver your own innovative research project that aims to advance understanding in your field and/or develop methodologies, conceptual frameworks, tools or techniques that could benefit health-related research.

During the award, we expect you to:

• expand your technical skills and/or your experience of different research methodologies or frameworks
• build a collaborative network with other researchers in your field
• develop your people management skills
• advance your understanding of how to complete research responsibly and promote a positive and inclusive culture.

By the end of the award, you should have the research maturity to develop, manage and lead your own creative, independent research programme.

If you decide not to pursue a career in research, you’ll have transferable skills that you can use in roles related to research or outside of research, for example in industry or teaching.

Application and more details: https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/wellcome-early-career-awards