This award supports researchers to establish their independence and trajectory in discovery research.
Grant funding
We fund researchers to take on important questions relating to life, health, and wellbeing, with creative approaches that push boundaries.
We plan to spend £16 billion by 2032 to advance scientific discovery and take on the world’s most urgent health issues.
We believe ground-breaking discoveries are more likely to occur in collaborations between a diverse range of people, so we are working with partners and the teams we fund to support a thriving, inclusive research culture.
What funding opportunities are available?
We have several grants and awards available to researchers at all stages of their career.
Discovery Research
Wellcome funds discovery research in and across physical, social, data and life sciences, the humanities and clinical research. Each scheme is designed to target a different career stage, but all are open to the best ideas across a huge remit.
Watch our webinars for early-career and established researchers and collaborative teams to hear about our goals for Discovery Research at Wellcome.
For mid-career researchers who are ready to lead a substantial, innovative research programme and achieve international standing.
This award supports established researchers and teams.
We also offer specific funding opportunities to support our work in mental health, infectious disease, and climate and health.
Mental health
We fund ground-breaking research into the cause and treatment of anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
For a more detailed description of what projects we will and won’t provide funding for, visit our Mental Health funding remit page.
For an advanced look at our future funding calls visit the Mental Health funding opportunities page.
Infectious disease
We fund cutting-edge research into preventing infectious diseases in humans from spreading out of control.
We are currently working with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to fund projects led by researchers in Africa to use modelling approaches to address key areas related to health and infectious disease. Read more about Strengthening health and disease modelling for public health decision making in Africa.
A more detailed remit of other projects we will and won’t provide funding for is coming soon.
Climate and health
We fund vital research into the impact climate change has on human health.
A more detailed remit of what projects we will and won’t provide funding for is coming soon.
See a list of our scheme deadlines.
We also invite organisations to apply for contract opportunities that support our mission.
From time to time, we may also directly identify research opportunities we wish to pursue to help us to meet our strategic objectives.
If you have a great idea you wish to share that cannot be supported through our funding schemes or calls, please contact the relevant team.
How do I apply for – and manage – grant funding?
We have detailed funding guidance on exactly how to apply for funding, manage funding and more.
View funding guidance if you need help or advice with:
Information for Research offices
Wellcome Funding
Apply for a grant through our online platform.
Find out about grants we've awarded
Find out about the people and projects we've funded, including grants awarded, researcher stories and grant funding data.