This scheme provides funding for established researchers and teams from any discipline, including Social Sciences, who want to pursue bold and creative research ideas to deliver significant shifts in understanding related to human life, health and wellbeing.
You must aim to make a major contribution to your research field by: generating significant shifts in understanding and/or developing methodologies, conceptual frameworks, tools or techniques that could benefit health related research. Team size will usually range from two to eight applicants, including the lead applicant. Applicants need to commit at least 20% of their research time to the research programme.
You should ask for the resources you need for your research programme. You will need to justify this in your application. The average size of a Discovery Award is £3.5 million. Applications above £5 million will be subject to additional scrutiny. Awards can be for up to eight years, with the average being between three and seven years.
- Lead applicants must have experience of managing large teams of researchers and large studies
- Projects need to be interdisciplinary and collaborative
- Diversity in teams must be a key component
- Strong focus on research environment and culture
- Robust governance structure (including professional and support staff)
Wellcome are keen to encourage applications from the Social Sciences and there is an expectation that research will link into relevant policies.
To apply please complete the Expression of Interest Form by Tuesday, 9 September 2025.