To apply for a programme grant, you must:
- be a researcher employed by an eligible research organisation
- show that you will direct the proposed research yourself and be actively involved in the work
- have a substantial record of securing research funding and delivering high-quality research
The focus of your application must be within one of the four MRC research board science areas:
- infections and immunity
- molecular and cellular medicine
- neurosciences and mental health
- population and systems medicine
There is a pre-application stage for new MRC programmes. For details, see how to apply.
For further eligibility information, see the relevant MRC programme grant funding opportunity page:
- infections and immunity programme
- molecular and cellular medicine programme
- neurosciences and mental health programme
- population and systems medicine programme
Programme grants will usually be based within an academic institution which has the variety of expertise and disciplines to undertake the programme.
You are not eligible to apply for a programme grant if you lead a programme at an:
- MRC institute
- MRC partnership institute
- MRC unit
Having more than one programme grant at a time
You can only have more than one programme grant at a time in exceptional circumstances. We expect you to focus on leading only one MRC programme. This is why programme leaders at MRC institutes are not eligible for this grant.
Should you wish to discuss your exceptional circumstances, please contact the relevant MRC programme manager of the MRC research board applicable to the science area of your application.
Including industry partners in applications
You can include industry partners in applications. MRC recognises the value that such partnerships can bring.
For more information, see our guidance on the MRC Industry Collaboration Framework (previously known as MRC Industry Collaboration Agreement process).