Request for Applications: Wellcome Accelerator Award Scheme – UK

The funding can be used for research or research-adjacent activities, such as training, secondments, and networking.

Funding Information

• Your salary (if required) and up to £200,000 for project expenses.
• Duration: up to 2 years.

Eligible Activities

• This includes, but is not limited to:
  • developing a novel research idea, pilot, proof-of-concept, or scoping study and gathering related preliminary data
  • taking up research skills training opportunities or other appropriate courses
  • writing and (co-)authoring papers, books, articles or funding applications
  • research time at another research institution in the UK or abroad.

Eligibility Criteria

• The lead applicant must:
  • Self-identify as being from a:
    • Black heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Black African; Black Caribbean; Black Other; Mixed background (must include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).
    • Bangladeshi heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Bangladeshi Other; Mixed background (must include Bangladeshi backgrounds).
    • Pakistani heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Pakistani Other; Mixed background (must include Pakistani backgrounds).
  • Currently be working in or ordinarily resident in the UK.
  • Have completed a substantive period of research training relevant to their discipline by the time they submit the application. You must have either:
    • Completed a PhD (for example, in the life sciences) or an equivalent higher research degree, at a UK institution. You must have passed your viva examination by the application deadline. Or,
    • If you have not started a PhD or equivalent degree, at least four years’ equivalent research experience (for example, in the humanities and social sciences) at a UK institution.

Ineligibility Criteria

• The grant cannot be held at an organisation outside the UK at any time.
• You cannot apply for this scheme if you are an early-career researcher or mid-career researcher who already holds another Wellcome award as a lead applicant.
• You should not apply for this scheme if:
  • you do not self-identify as belonging to one of the heritage backgrounds outlined above
  • you are not currently working in or ordinarily resident in the UK
  • you have held your permanent, open-ended or long-term rolling contract for more than three years (unless the exceptions above apply)
  • you have not completed a substantive period of relevant research training.

For more information, visit Wellcome Trust.