Overview
PhD
Research
Description
PhD
Research
Eligibility
Applicants must:
Be established researchers with a proven record of research excellence.
Propose a bold and high-impact project that significantly advances understanding in health or wellbeing.
Be based at an eligible administering organization capable of managing the grant.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and positive research culture within their teams.
Not Eligible:
Researchers applying as lead applicants on two active Discovery Award submissions.
Projects involving transfer of grant funds to mainland China.
Activities that fall outside Wellcome’s Discovery Research scope.
Additional Information
Degree Level
PhD
Research
Available Subjects
This award is open to established researchers and research teams in any discipline, including:
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Clinical and Allied Health Sciences
Public Health and Epidemiology
Experimental Medicine
Humanities and Social Sciences
Projects can be single-discipline or multidisciplinary but must align with Wellcome’s mission to improve human health and wellbeing.
Benefits
A Wellcome Discovery Award provides funding for research expenses.
The award usually lasts for 8 years, but may be less for some disciplines, such as humanities and social science.
The award may be held on a part-time basis. We will extend the duration of the award to reflect this.
You should ask for a level and duration of funding that’s appropriate for your proposed research. You will need to justify these costs in your grant application.
The award includes:
continuing professional development and training
staff
materials and consumable
animals
equipment
access charges
overheads
travel and subsistence
overseas allowance
fieldwork expenses
inflation allowance
open access charges
clinical research costs
public engagement and patient involvement costs
contract research organistaion
The award does not include salary costs for the lead applicant.
We only provide a salary for coapplicants in certain circumstances
Eligible Nationalities
People from UK, UK, Republic of Ireland, Low- or middle-income countries (apart from India and mainland China) can apply for this scholarship.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be established researchers with a proven record of research excellence.
Propose a bold and high-impact project that significantly advances understanding in health or wellbeing.
Be based at an eligible administering organization capable of managing the grant.
Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and positive research culture within their teams.
Not Eligible:
Researchers applying as lead applicants on two active Discovery Award submissions.
Projects involving transfer of grant funds to mainland China.
Activities that fall outside Wellcome’s Discovery Research scope.
Host Institutions
Eligible administering organizations must be not-for-profit institutions based in:
The United Kingdom
The Republic of Ireland
Low- or middle-income countries (LMICs) except India and mainland China
Qualified institutions include universities, research institutes, healthcare organizations, and social enterprises.
Application Procedure
Prepare Proposal: Ensure your research fits within Wellcome’s Discovery Research framework.
Create an Account: Register on the Wellcome Funding Platform .
Submit Application: Complete and submit your proposal before the deadline (with organizational approval).
Shortlisting and Review: Applications undergo expert peer review and are assessed for boldness, quality, and feasibility.
Interview Stage: Shortlisted applicants present their proposals before the Discovery Award Interview Panel in London (or remotely).
Final Decision: The Discovery Research Decision Board makes funding decisions, followed by official notifications.
Key Dates For The 2026 Round
Applications open: 6 August 2025
Deadline for submissions: 25 November 2025 (15:00 GMT)
Shortlisting: February 2026
Interviews: 19–21 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions Faqs
Who can apply for the Wellcome Discovery Award? Established researchers or teams aiming to make transformative contributions to health, science, or wellbeing can apply.
How much funding can applicants request? Applicants can request the full resources needed for their research. The average award is £3.5 million, and applications above £5 million will undergo further scrutiny.
Can I apply as part of a team? Yes, teams of 2–8 researchers led by an established researcher are eligible. Team diversity and inclusivity are highly encouraged.
What disciplines does the award support? Any discipline is eligible, including STEM, medical sciences, social sciences, and humanities, provided the research contributes to improving human life and health.
What is the deadline for the next round? The next application deadline is 25 November 2025 at 15:00 GMT, with interviews scheduled for May 2026.
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Card
Funding
Partial Funding
Organization
Wellcome Trust
Degree
PhD
Subjects
Science Education, Humanities, Climate Change, Mental Health, Infectious Diseases
Nationality
International Students
Country
UK
Source
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