External Funding Opportunities
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There are a number of fellowships available to apply for across UK government departments, devolved governments and What Works Network, linked to policy priority areas.
Deadline for applications: Tuesday 15 July 2025, 4pm
This scheme is designed primarily to assist newly employed university lecturers, researchers (at a level equivalent to lecturer) in research council institutes, and fellows (at a level equivalent to lecturer) to secure their first major element of research support funding.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. Funding is available for up to five years. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Deadline for applications: 24 September 2025
Apply for funding to support excellent investigator-led research across the breadth of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) scientific remit.
The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. Funding is available for up to five years. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC.
Deadline for applications: 24 September 2025
Experimental Medicine Stage One , MRC
Apply for funding to investigate the causes, progression and treatment of human disease.
Your project must:
- focus on a mechanistic hypothesis
- include an experimental intervention or challenge in humans
If you are taking the next step towards becoming an independent researcher, you may be eligible to apply as a ‘new investigator’.
There is no limit to the amount of funding you can apply for or the length of your project. MRC will fund 80% of your project’s full economic cost.
This is an ongoing funding opportunity, open from 17 April to 1 October 2025. It is likely that this call will be demand managed by CMVM College Office so please look out for further announcements in the coming weeks.
Action Medical Research (AMR) Training Fellowships 2026
Applications are now invited for 2026 Research Training Fellowships from medical graduates, clinicians, bioengineers, research nurses, physiotherapists and allied health professionals, who wish to train in research techniques and methodology applied to subjects relevant to the aims of the charity. AMR’s emphasis is on clinical research or research at the interface between clinical and basic science.
Deadline for applications: Tuesday 21 October 2025, 5pm
Brain Health Alliance for Research Challenges (ARC) – Seed Funding
Brain Health ARC is accepting applications for seed funding projects. They are offering grants of £3-5K to support to research or activities that may lead to larger grants and fellowships.
International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) calendar for funding and training opportunities
IBRO have set up a searchable calendar listing all their funding and training opportunities. Not everything is open to researchers based in Europe, but it's keeping an eye on this page especially if you are interested in international collaboration or exchange opportunities.
The Sir Halley Stewart Trust funds three priority areas: Medical, Social and Religious, with education being a central theme that runs across all grants. Animal research is not eligible. They offer 2 kinds of grants:
Main Grants between £5001 and £60,000 spread across one to three years given as a salary contribution or to fund an entire project. These applications are considered in June, October, and February.
Small Grants up to £5000 which should cover the entire project or be the major funding contribution. This grant is aimed at small scoping or pilot projects. These applications are considered year-round with no deadlines.