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Metascience research grants round 2

Medical Research Council (MRC)

Opportunity status:

Upcoming

Funders:

Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Medical Research Council (MRC)

Co-funders:

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)

Funding type:

Grant

Total fund:

£6,000,000

Maximum award:

£350,000

Publication date:

25 November 2025

Opening date:

12 February 2026 9:00am UK time

Closing date:

23 April 2026 4:00pm UK time

Apply for funding to undertake cutting-edge Metascience research into more effective ways of conducting and supporting research and development (R&D), including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), how to optimise research institutions and the challenges of measuring research excellence.

You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funding, however, collaborations with international researchers are strongly encouraged.

The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £250,000 or £350,000 with an international partner. UKRI will fund 80% of the FEC.

AI based application success predictor

🧪 1. Strong Fit with MRC’s Scientific Remit

MRC funds high-quality biomedical and health research across discovery, translational, and strategic priorities. Your project should clearly sit within these areas and advance understanding of human health or disease.

👉 Success predictor: Clearly articulate how your project contributes to MRC’s mission and current priority themes in health research.

👩‍🔬 2. High Scientific Merit & Innovation

MRC peer review focuses heavily on:

Scientific quality and novelty

Clarity of hypotheses and aims

Appropriate methodology
Reviewers look for proposals that are innovative, well-designed, and likely to yield important new insights.

👉 Success predictor: Craft a narrative that shows the importance and originality of the research question and the rigor of your approach.

🧠 3. Clear, Well-Written Case for Support

MRC panels include experts across disciplines; proposals need to be accessible to both specialists and informed generalists.

A clear rationale with concise aims helps reviewers quickly grasp your project.

Avoid overly technical language early in the application.

👉 Success predictor: Write for clarity — compelling storytelling linked to solid science increases reviewer engagement.

📊 4. Feasible Plan & Detailed Methods

Reviewers assess feasibility — whether you can do what you propose — and need:

Well-justified sample sizes, power calculations, design choices

Appropriate analytical methods

Contingency plans for likely risks or challenges
This demonstrates that your project can realistically be delivered within the timeline and budget.

👉 Success predictor: Ensure your methods tie directly to your aims and anticipate challenges.

📈 5. Preliminary Evidence/Early Data

Although not always essential, preliminary data can significantly strengthen your case by showing:

Feasibility

Potential for success

Prior expertise in the area

👉 Success predictor: Include meaningful initial data, or strong theoretical justification when data aren’t possible.

👥 6. Strong Team & Institutional Support

Your application should demonstrate that:

The research team has the right expertise

The lead researcher will drive the project

The institution backs the work with appropriate resources and support
Letters of support (when required) signal collaborative commitment and team capability.

👉 Success predictor: Highlight relevant expertise, roles, and institutional commitment clearly.

🧾 7. Well-Justified Budget & Value for Money

MRC scrutinises budgets against project aims to ensure value for public research investment.

Provide realistic costs

Justify each resource

Don’t under- or over-request funds relative to deliverables

👉 Success predictor: A justified, balanced budget that clearly ties to project tasks.

🧪 8. Ethics and Regulatory Compliance

If your research involves humans, animals, tissues or data, your proposal must:

Address ethical considerations

Outline necessary approvals and welfare standards
This reassures reviewers and administrators that the project is responsibly designed.

👉 Success predictor: Include all ethical and regulatory plans/approvals upfront.

🔄 9. Clear Submission & Follow-Up

Before submitting, follow MRC’s recommended checks:

✔ Correct templates and formatting
✔ Realistic start date
✔ Required attachments (CV, data management plan, letters)
✔ Eligibility checks
✔ Internal or mock review for feedback

👉 Success predictor: A polished, compliant application avoids administrative rejection and focuses reviewers on merit.

🧠 10. Peer & Panel Review Reality

MRC uses peer review followed by panel or board decisions. Your proposal is scored by referees then considered collectively; strong narratives and clarity help in both stages.

👉 Success predictor: Aim for balance — detailed enough for experts, clear enough for general reviewers.

📌 Practical Success Checklist

Match MRC remit and priorities

Compelling, innovative scientific idea

Clear aims and narrative

Sound methodology with risk mitigation

Preliminary data or strong rationale

Strong team and institutional commitment

Justified budget

Regulatory and ethical readiness

Final compliance checks before submission

Specialties

Data Science

Eligibility Requirements

This opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility, and organisations who are based overseas. Check if your organisation is eligible.

Who is eligible to apply

This funding opportunity is open to research groups and individuals. We:

encourage collaborative research with other UK and international organisations
encourage applications from diverse groups of researchers
welcome applications from those who have not previously held Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) grants
welcome applications from individuals at any career stage, subject to ESRC eligibility criteria

Who is not eligible to apply

Project leads from non-UK organisations are not eligible to apply for funding for this opportunity.

Project co-leads based in non-UK research organisations can be included in research grant applications.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Medical Research Council (MRC)

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Polaris House Swindon SN2 1FL

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