This is a £6 million trial initiative to address gaps in support for clinical researchers at critical career pinch points. Funding up to four years will be provided at 100% full economic cost (FEC) to successful regional consortia spanning medical schools, institutions and NHS trusts. These consortia will have the flexibility to identify and fund clinical researchers at key career points, while providing support to enable their longer-term success. The initiative was designed in response to the Clinical researchers in the UK: reversing the decline report recommendations to address identified gaps in support for clinical researchers at the following pinch points:
Applications should demonstrate direct alignment with MRC’s core remit, a strong regional partnership, or clear plans to develop one, and complementarity with existing local and regional initiatives.
For more information, please see the call website.
University Internal selection:
Institutions can only be involved in 1 application, whether as lead or partner. Therefore, this call will be managed according to the University’s restricted calls procedure.
To take part in the internal selection, please complete our online form (NB: if asked to log-in, please use your crsid/Raven details; note that a Form cannot be saved and returned to) by 24th October 2025.
Please note that your Department’s Research Grants Team and/or Departmental Administrator (or equivalent) must be made aware of your internal application, and a support letter signed by the Head of Department is required.
You will need the following documents and information to complete the Form:
Internal Assessment Criteria:
Please note that the assessment of internal applications will focus on the following core funder criteria:
Funder deadline: 4pm UK time, 18th December 2025
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Posted on 15/10/2025
