The MRC Career Development Fellowship is a fully funded opportunity for talented researchers to transition to independence. This fellowship supports individuals with a PhD who have evidence of career consolidation and productivity, enabling them to lead their own research plans and build their own team within the Medical Research Council’s remit.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is a UK public body that funds high-quality research to improve human health. As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the MRC supports a wide range of medical research from basic studies to translational and clinical research, aiming to drive scientific discovery and train the next generation of research leaders.
MRC Career Development Fellowship Benefits
- Competitive salary for the fellow
- Funding for research consumables, equipment, and travel costs
- Support for a small number of research and technical staff
- Visa fees and international health surcharge costs for fellow and dependent family members
- Training activities and data preservation costs
- Estates and indirect costs
- Public partnerships and related activities
- NHS research costs when associated with NHS studies
- Support for a period of research overseas, at a second UK research organisation or in industry
MRC Career Development Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Must have completed a PhD or equivalent
- Show evidence of skills, experience, career development and productivity across past appointments
- Have your own research plans that do not significantly overlap with those of your current group leaders or proposed sponsors
- Have a research focus within MRC remit to improve human health
- Must have the support of an eligible UK organisation
- Cannot have applied for an MRC fellowship within the last year or twice before
- Cannot have been awarded a comparable fellowship supporting early independence or a new investigator award from any organisation
- Cannot be clinically active (clinicians should apply to the clinician scientist fellowship)
- Cannot hold a salaried position and a fellowship at the same time
Eligible Areas
The proposed project must aim to improve human health and fall within the MRC research remit. Supported fields include:
- Infections and immunity
- Molecular and cellular medicine
- Neuroscience and mental health
- Population and systems medicine
- Public health
- Global health
- Research methodology
- Translational and developmental research
Global health projects must remain connected to biomedical discovery or early translational research.
Joint Funding Options
Applicants may request joint funding with one of the following organisations:
- Diabetes UK
- Kidney Research UK
- Parkinson’s UK
- Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Macular Society
- DEBRA
- The Borne Foundation
- Addiction Healthcare Goals
Joint funding does not change the standard MRC assessment process.
How to Apply for MRC Career Development Fellowship
- Select ‘Start application’ on the UKRI Funding Service page
- Sign in or create a Funding Service account
- Answer questions directly in the text boxes provided
- Allow enough time to check your application in ‘read-only’ view before sending to your research office
- Send the completed application to your research office for checking
- Your research office will submit the completed and checked application to UKRI
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the MRC Career Development Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the MRC Career Development Fellowship?
The MRC Career Development Fellowship is a fully funded personal award that supports talented postdoctoral researchers to transition to independence. It provides salary, project costs, and training for up to five years, allowing fellows to lead their own research and build a team within the MRC’s remit.
Who is eligible to apply for this fellowship?
Applicants must have completed a PhD or equivalent, show evidence of career consolidation and productivity, and have independent research plans within the MRC remit. They must be based at an eligible UK research organisation. Clinically active professionals should apply to the clinician scientist fellowship instead.
What is the deadline for the MRC Career Development Fellowship 2026?
The closing date for applications is 15 September 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. Applications must be submitted via the UKRI Funding Service by this deadline. Late applications will not be accepted.
What does the fellowship cover?
The fellowship covers the fellow’s salary, research consumables, equipment, travel costs, training activities, and visa fees for the fellow and dependents. It also funds a small research team, estates and indirect costs, and public partnerships. Funding is provided at 80% of full economic cost.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship provides support for up to five years, pro rata for part-time fellowships. Fellows are expected to take advantage of the full five years, though shorter periods may be considered after discussion with the programme manager.
Can I apply if I already hold a permanent position?
No, if you have already achieved independence by securing a permanent position, your application will not be competitive. You cannot hold a salaried position and a fellowship at the same time, except in exceptional circumstances with a clear step change in career route.
How are applications assessed?
Applications are assessed through expert review and shortlisting by a panel. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview. Assessment criteria include vision, approach, career development, applicant capability, host support, ethical considerations, and resources.
Can I apply for joint funding with other organisations?
Yes, you may apply for jointly-funded fellowships with partner organisations such as Diabetes UK, Parkinson’s UK, Kidney Research UK, and others. Joint funding does not alter the assessment process, and you will be considered for a standard MRC fellowship if the joint option is unavailable.
What is the start date for the fellowship?
Fellows are expected to start their fellowship no earlier than June 2027 and no later than September 2027. Any start dates outside this window must be discussed with the MRC prior to the March 2027 decision meeting.
How do I apply for the MRC Career Development Fellowship?
Applications are submitted via the UKRI Funding Service. You must create an account, complete the application questions, and send it to your research office for approval. Your research office will then submit the application to UKRI before the deadline.
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