The MRC mid-range equipment call is due to open on 2nd October, with a deadline of 8th January 2026. This aligns with the expected timeline for the BBSRC ALERT mid-range equipment call, which last round opened in October and closed in January.
For both schemes: The funder contribution requested can be up to 100%. Relevance to strategic delivery plans is particularly encouraged (MRC’s strategic delivery plan 2022 to 2025; BBSRC’s strategic delivery plan). Proposals should consider equipment that will be used collaboratively and/or shared to ensure it will be used to its full potential and value.
For MRC: The call is expected to be for items of equipment above £100,000, at a maximum of £800,000 per item (the total item cost may be higher, with the remainder being met by institutional or partner contributions). Applications from all scientific areas within MRC remit are eligible. Relevance to the priority areas is particularly encouraged. MRC welcomes applications to this opportunity from eligible facility staff as either project lead or co-lead.
For BBSRC: The call is expected to be for capital equipment over £200k, including VAT, at a maximum of £1.5m per individual piece of equipment. The maximum duration of grants is 12 months. The BBSRC do not require host contributions toward equipment purchase. Applications from all areas within the BBSRC remit are eligible. Relevance to the priority areas is particularly encouraged.
For more information about the schemes, including detailed requirements and eligibility, please see the call pages from the previous round of each call: MRC mid-range equipment; BBSRC ALERT mid-range equipment.
The calls will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure.
Schools have been asked to each provide a ranked lists of requests they recommend are supported to apply to this round of funding. Departments should therefore await communication from their School office to understand the selection/ranking process and timetable.
Funder deadlines: 8th January 2026 (MRC) and January 2026 (BBSRC)
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Posted on 05/08/2025
