Faculty of Health Sciences

(https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/wellcome-discovery-awards)

Wellcome is soliciting applications for their Discovery Awards scheme from established researchers and teams from any discipline. Researchers who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding that could improve human life, health and wellbeing are eligible to apply.  Successful applicants will be expected to actively promote a diverse, inclusive and supportive research environment within their team and across their organisation.    

Eligibility:

Established researchers  

Award details:

Up to eight years of project expenses.   

Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

Funder deadline:  

Three deadlines annually, with the next one for 2026 being 22 September.

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has released funding opportunities under the South African National Health Research Enterprise (NHRE) Programme. The programme is supported by the SAMRC, National Treasury through the National Department of Health, the Gates Foundation and Wellcome Trust, and aims to help retain research capacity and infrastructure within South Africa. Applications can be submitted under the following themes:

• Health Systems Research

The call focuses on health systems research with a clear pathway to policy uptake, health system strengthening, equitable access to quality healthcare, scalability and measurable impact within the South African public health system.
o Award details: Supports three-year projects, of up to R2 Million per annum or a maximum of R6 Million over 3 years
Deadline: 16 October 2026- Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

• Research in Women, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health

The call supports research to address maternal, neonatal and child health challenges in South Africa, including maternal and perinatal mortality, healthcare system weaknesses, and neonatal infections. It also prioritises under-researched gynaecological conditions and seeks innovative approaches to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment and management, with a focus on equity, local relevance, translation and sustainability.
o Award details: Supports three-year projects, of up to R5M per annum or a maximum of R15M over 3 years.
Deadline: 16 October 2026- Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

• Research in Non-communicable Diseases 

The call focuses on two priority programmes: (1) cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, and (2) cancer. Proposals should address people at risk and vulnerable populations, with attention to modifiable, metabolic and environmental risk factors, and should demonstrate potential socioeconomic benefit, ideally through prevention and control strategies that can reduce avoidable mortality and morbidity
o Award details: Supports three-year projects, of up to R5 Million per annum or a maximum of R15 Million over 3 years.
Deadline: 15 October 2026- Download the PDF outlining UCT’s deadlines for internal approval

Please complete the Intention to Submit form if you plan to apply for this funding opportunity, allowing our team to track your progress and offer full support.