Who can apply
Anyone based at an eligible organisation who can demonstrate that they will direct the proposed research and be actively engaged in progressing it.
Applications can involve:
- individual researchers or teams
- one or more research group or organisation
- project partners
Applicants with industry partners should follow the Guidance on the MRC Industry Collaboration Framework
How to apply
Find out which MRC funding opportunity offers grants in your research area and check the grant type timeline.
Some research grant opportunities have a two-stage application process, so confirm if an expression of interest, outline or stage one application is required first.
You should also consider if your proposed research falls within any of MRC’s priority areas and highlight this in your application.
Funding guidance
The relevant funding opportunity guidance takes you through preparing an application, including who can apply, what we are looking for and how to apply. Check the topic areas for more guidance:
- Infections and immunity responsive mode: research grant
- Molecular and cellular medicine responsive mode: research grant
- Neurosciences and mental health research responsive mode: research grant
- Population and systems medicine responsive mode: research grant
- Gap fund for early stage development of new healthcare interventions
- Experimental medicine
- Developmental pathway funding scheme
The MRC guidance for applicants details eligibility, costing your application and any ethical and regulatory requirements that may apply to the research.
Ensure that you read the terms and conditions governing MRC grants.
Create your application on the UKRI Funding Service
To apply for an MRC research grant, you must use the UKRI Funding Service.
The relevant funding opportunity will take you directly to the Funding Service to create an application.
Check the closing date if there is one to make sure you allow enough time for you and your research organisation to prepare and submit the application.
Resubmissions
If your research grant application is unsuccessful after expert review, then you cannot re-apply for at least 12 months, unless we permit you to resubmit early.
You should complete the related applications section of the application. Explain it is a resubmission and describe how it differs from the previous application, including how you’ve considered and acted on feedback.