What Are the Wellcome Discovery Awards?
The Wellcome Discovery Awards are an esteemed funding opportunity designed for established researchers and teams across various disciplines. These awards aim to support bold and innovative research ideas that can significantly enhance our understanding of human life, health, and wellbeing. With a deadline for applications set for 25 November 2025, interested researchers should start planning their proposals now.
Eligibility and Funding Details
To be eligible for the Discovery Awards, applicants must be established researchers, while the administering organisation can be situated in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or low- to middle-income countries (excluding India and mainland China). The funding duration typically spans up to 8 years, although many awards average around 7 years. Notably, the average award size stands at approximately £3.5 million, allowing researchers to seek the necessary resources for their ambitious programmes.
Application Process and Strategic Focus
Applications are reviewed three times a year, with upcoming deadlines in July 2025 and November 2025. Researchers are encouraged to detail the resources required for their research, as this will be a vital component of the application assessment. Furthermore, the Discovery Awards focus on strategic research areas, including discovery research, climate and health, infectious diseases, and mental health. Co-applicants are welcomed, promoting collaborative efforts in tackling critical research questions.
For detailed information and to access application forms, prospective applicants can visit the Wellcome website.