The Wellcome Discovery Awards is giving money to help experienced researchers and teams do bold and creative research. The goal is to bring big new ideas and understanding about human life, health, and well-being.
If you have ideas that could change how people understand a problem or create new tools, methods, or ways of working that can help health research, this is a big chance to make a major difference in your field.
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- You can ask for an amount that fits your project. On average, awards are about £3.5 million.
- If you need more than £5 million, your application will get extra checks.
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Awards can last up to 8 years, but some may be shorter. The average is 7 years. The time can be longer if you work part-time.
Application conditions
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Your organisation must be in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country (except India and mainland China).
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The organisation must be not-for-profit, such as a university, research institute, hospital, charity, or social enterprise.
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You can apply as one researcher or as a team led by an experienced researcher.
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Teams are usually between 2 and 8 people. The main research work must be based in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or a low- or middle-income country.
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You cannot apply if you are already waiting for decisions on two other Discovery Award applications as the lead applicant.
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You also cannot apply if your work will send grant money to mainland China.
Where are when to apply
Applications are now open, and the deadline is November 25, 2025. Click HERE to begin.
The Wellcome Discovery Awards offer funding for researchers with bold and innovative ideas aimed at advancing understanding in human life, health, and wellbeing.
Researchers or teams interested in making a significant impact in their fields can apply, particularly if their projects can introduce new perspectives or tools in health research.
Applicants can request varying amounts for their projects, with the average award around £3.5 million. For requests exceeding £5 million, additional scrutiny is conducted.
Awards can last up to 8 years, generally around 7 years, and can be adapted for part-time work.
Eligibility requires the organization to be based in the UK, Republic of Ireland, or a low- to middle-income country, excluding India and China.
The organization must be non-profit, such as a university, research institute, or charity. Applications can be as individuals or teams, typically comprising 2 to 8 members.
However, you cannot apply if you have two other pending Discovery Award applications or if funds will be allocated to mainland China.
Applications are currently open, encouraging early preparation for those whose work can transform health and life sciences.
