Restricted Call: MRC Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) Round 5 (Internal deadline: 3rd November 2026)

The MRC will open a call for outline proposals to round 5 of their Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) opportunity on 1^st October 2026.

The MRC CoRE programme provides funding to enable UK research organisations to tackle complex and interdisciplinary health challenges. MRC CoREs will support bold and ambitious research focused on a defined challenge with the potential to prove transformative to biomedical research, health research or both. They must address substantial unmet needs in understanding or modifying human health and disease and have major strategic objectives achievable within a 14-year timeframe. This challenge-led approach supports distinct and disruptive research that drives breakthrough advances and addresses specific bottlenecks through knowledge generation, technological or methodological innovation, with clear translational relevance.

MRC CoRE awards provide support for up to 14 years, and only one or two new CoREs will be funded each year. The initial duration of an award is seven years with review in the sixth year to approve release of the second period of funding. The maximum full economic cost (FEC) of a project for the first seven years may be in the region of £26.25 million and MRC will fund 80% of the FEC. Applications can be from a single research organisation or in partnership across multiple organisations and may include project partners. International co-investigators can be included if they provide expertise that is not available in the UK.

Outline proposals will need to explain the importance of the research challenge, describe the research approach and also address a number of areas listed in the call guidance (see link above) under the ‘How to apply’ section. Proposals will require clearly defined institutional support, including: provision and maintenance of lab space, access to existing facilities and digital support infrastructure, HR services, and underpinning of key staff positions. Details of approaches to environmental sustainability and enhancing a positive research culture will also be needed.
Funder’s Call Details

University Internal Selection:

An organisation may lead one outline application in round five that addresses a challenge across any part of MRC remit. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls policy.

To take part in the internal selection process please complete our online form (if asked to log-in, please use your crsID) by 3^rd November 2026.

You will need to prepare the following documents to complete the form submission:

• A document listing the project co-leads, collaborators, and external partners on the proposal with details of their departments and institutions
• A summary of the proposed MRC CoRE (max. 1200 words), covering the following:
  • Distinctive research challenge and approach: provide a clear, concise statement that articulates the challenge and outline (i) the gap/opportunity/unmet need the that the challenge addresses, (ii) the top level aims and objectives for the CoRE, and (iii) innovative approaches to delivering the challenge, with reference to knowledge transfer/exchange and research translation.
  • Leadership, operations and decision-making: describe (i) the track record of the Project Lead, (ii) the proposed make-up of the leadership team and approach to inclusive management of the CoRE, and (iii) approach to decision-making and agility in response to new scientific developments.
  • MRC CoRE environment and opportunities for transformational impact: summarise your plans for (i) cross-sectoral and multi- or interdisciplinary working; (ii) approach to training/careers; and (iii) external stakeholder activities including public engagement and involvement. As part of this summary describe how you will embed principles of equality, diversity and inclusion in all activities.
• Resume for Research for the Project Lead (PL) – see here for guidance
• Head of Department support letter, addressing the following:
  • If successful, what institutional support the department will provide for the proposed CoRE – including space, access to facilities, HR services, underpinning key staff, research culture, environmental sustainability, etc.
  • Where external collaborators/partners are involved, how will these collaborations bring benefit to the MRC CoRE, to the University more broadly and to the collaborative institutions or partners.

Internal Assessment Criteria:

• Importance of, and approach to, the challenge – including research approach, translation and knowledge transfer
• Capability to deliver – including leadership team and partnerships & collaborations
• MRC CoRE environment – including training, careers and capacity building

Important Dates:

• Funder Outline stage opening date: 1st October 2026
• Internal Selection Deadline: 3^rd November 2026
• Funder Outline stage closing date:  3^rd February 2027
• Funder Outline decisions communicated: April 2027

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk

Posted on 16/09/2026