The Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize 2026 in the UK is an open competition that supports collaborative teams to use existing data to find new insights and build digital tools for research into anxiety, depression, and psychosis in young people. The prize aims to improve early intervention and involves multiple phases of funding and support.
Wellcome is a global charitable foundation that supports science to solve urgent health challenges. It funds research, advocates for better health policies, and builds partnerships to improve mental health outcomes worldwide.
Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize Benefits
- Discovery Phase: 10 teams receive £40,000 funding.
- Prototyping Phase: 5 teams receive £100,000.
- Sustainability Phase: 3 winning teams receive £500,000.
- Support with data access, analysis, and use case development.
- Regular group activities like problem-solving sessions and workshops.
Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize Eligibility Criteria
- Teams must be based in the UK or South Africa (for the UK prize).
- Applications must pass feasibility criteria.
- Proposals are evaluated on research question, approach to tool development, and involvement.
- Teams should involve lived experience expertise.
How to Apply for Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize?
- Read all information on the official page before applying.
- Submit your application via Wellcomedataprize.submit.com.
- Applications are reviewed based on feasibility, impact, and innovation.
- Shortlisted teams present proposals to a panel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply for this fully funded research competition.
What is the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize?
The Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize is an open competition where teams use existing data to solve societal problems related to anxiety, depression, and psychosis in young people. It supports the development of digital tools for research and early intervention.
Who is eligible to apply for the prize?
Teams based in the UK or South Africa are eligible for the UK prize. Applications are evaluated on feasibility, impact, and innovation, with a focus on research questions, tool development approaches, and involvement of lived experience.
What are the benefits of the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize?
Benefits include funding across three phases: £40,000 for 10 teams in Discovery, £100,000 for 5 teams in Prototyping, and £500,000 for 3 winning teams in Sustainability. Teams also receive support with data access, analysis, and group activities.
What is the application deadline for the 2026 prize?
The application deadline for the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize UK 2026 is 8 May 2026 at 12pm. Applications must be submitted via the official submission platform.
How do I apply for the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize?
To apply, read all information on the official page, then submit your application via Wellcomedataprize.submit.com. Applications are reviewed for feasibility, impact, and innovation, with shortlisted teams invited to pitch their proposals.
What types of projects are funded by the prize?
Funded projects focus on using data to develop digital tools for mental health research, such as AI tools for data harmonization, digital dashboards for schools, and predictive models for depression and anxiety in young people.
Is the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize fully funded?
Yes, the prize is fully funded, offering financial support across multiple phases, from £40,000 to £500,000, along with additional resources for data access, analysis, and collaborative workshops.
What is the role of lived experience in the prize?
Lived experience is embedded throughout the prize, from design to delivery. Teams are encouraged to involve lived experience experts to ensure tools have a lasting impact and are co-created with those affected by mental health conditions.
How long does the Wellcome Mental Health Data Prize last?
The prize has three phases, each six months long, with the total program lasting 6 to 18 months. This includes Discovery, Prototyping, and Sustainability phases with varying levels of funding and support.
Where can I find more information about the prize?
More information is available on the Social Finance website at https://www.socialfinance.org.uk/impact/the-wellcome-mental-health-data-prize-uk. You can also contact the team at [email protected] for questions.
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