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  • Funding Opportunity Announcement | Wellcome: Discovery Research funding

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    Wellcome has introduced significant changes to its Discovery Research funding portfolio to make its funding processes more flexible and better aligned with the evolving research landscape.

    From 14 July 2026, its career-based schemes have moved to an always-open, rolling application process:
    • Early-Career Awards
    This scheme provides funding for early-career researchers (no more than 3years post-PhD) from any discipline who are ready to develop their research identity. Through innovative projects, they will deliver shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing. By the end of the award, they will be ready to lead their own independent research programme.
    o Award details 
    PI salary for up to five years and up to £400 000 for research purposes.

    • Career Development Awards
    This scheme provides funding for mid-career researchers (~1-2 periods of
    research post-PhD) from any discipline who have the potential to be international research leaders. They will develop their research capabilities, drive innovative programmes of work and deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
    o Award details 
    Up to eight years and applicants may request a salary. 

    • Discovery Awards
    This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
    o Award details 
    Up to eight years of project expenses. 

    Researchers can now submit applications at any time, with proposals assessed at regular intervals throughout the year. Wellcome has also updated its resubmission policy. These changes are intended to give applicants greater flexibility, reduce the pressure of fixed deadlines, and support researchers in applying when they are ready, while Wellcome continues to review and evolve its broader funding approach.

    Please note: The following UCT's internal approval requirements, will continue to apply:

    PI complete this intention-to-submit form if you intend applying
    PI to initiate an eRA Proposal Approval request and alert their Senior Finance Officer* of the budgetary support needed at least 6 weeks before the intended/planned deadline 
    PI to submit an eRA Proposal Approval request with a ntended/planneddraft budget to the Budget Reviewer step on eRA at least 4 weeks before the intended deadline  
    PI to submit an eRA Proposal Approval request to the Finance Approver step on eRA at least 2 weeks before the intended/planned deadline
    PI to submit the application on the funder portal (Wellcome Funding) at least 1 week before the funder deadline
    RC&I conduct review, budget approval having been received, and actional final submission on Wellcome Funding at least 1 week before the intended/planned deadline
    RC&I to action final submission on Wellcome Funding by the intended/planned deadline