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Pre-announcement: UK Obesity Research Institute

UK Research and Innovation

Opportunity status:

Upcoming

Funders:

Medical Research Council (MRC)

Funding type:

Grant

Publication date:

30 June 2026

Opening date:

30 July 2026 9:00am UK time

Closing date:

19 November 2026 4:00pm UK time

We are seeking director-led applications to investigate mechanistic biomedical drivers of obesity and related cardiometabolic disease and deliver transformative impact in obesity research.

The director, supported by a leadership team, will lead the design and delivery of a collaborative institute. Applications should focus on the key barriers to unlock understanding of the causes and consequences of obesity to enable targeted prevention and treatment.

The funding available is up to £60 million, and for seven years duration, with the potential to renew.

Funding of this opportunity is subject to approval of a full business case.

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Alignment with the specific funding opportunity (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important predictor.

Competitive proposals closely match:

The objectives of the funding opportunity
Council-specific priorities (e.g., MRC, EPSRC, ESRC)
Eligibility requirements
Scope and remit
Assessment criteria

A scientifically excellent proposal that does not fit the published scope is unlikely to be funded.

2. Research excellence and importance (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

UKRI evaluates whether the research:

Addresses an important problem
Advances knowledge significantly
Is intellectually ambitious
Has the potential to influence the field

Reviewers assess the originality, significance, and quality of the proposed research.

3. Innovation and originality (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive proposals typically demonstrate:

Novel concepts
Innovative methodologies
Creative approaches
Transformative ideas
High scientific ambition

UKRI supports both curiosity-driven discovery research and innovative applied research, depending on the funding opportunity.

4. Strong methodology and feasibility (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Applications should provide:

Well-defined objectives
Robust study design
Appropriate analytical methods
Risk management strategies
Realistic timelines
Clearly justified resources

Reviewers expect a convincing plan for delivering the proposed work.

5. Applicant and team capability (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

UKRI's assessment framework places strong emphasis on the ability of the applicant and team to deliver the project.

Competitive teams demonstrate:

Relevant expertise
Strong publication record
Leadership experience
Complementary skills
Appropriate collaborations

For early-career schemes, reviewers evaluate potential rather than only past achievements.

6. Positive research environment and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers consider whether the research environment provides:

Appropriate infrastructure
Institutional commitment
Access to facilities
Mentoring (where applicable)
Technical support
Collaborative opportunities

The host organization should clearly demonstrate its ability to support successful project delivery.

7. Potential impact and pathways to impact (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Although UKRI has moved away from the separate "Pathways to Impact" document, proposals are still expected to explain how the research could generate benefits.

Competitive applications describe potential impacts such as:

Improvements to health
Economic growth
Environmental sustainability
Public policy
Industry innovation
Societal benefit
Cultural impact

The expected impact should be appropriate to the research stage and funding opportunity.

8. Interdisciplinary collaboration and partnerships (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

UKRI increasingly encourages interdisciplinary research.

Competitive projects often involve:

Multiple research disciplines
Industry partners
NHS organizations
Government agencies
International collaborators
Public and third-sector organizations

Cross-sector collaboration is especially important for large strategic and challenge-led programs.

9. Responsible research and innovation (RRI), equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), and open research (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

UKRI expects applicants to consider:

Responsible research and innovation
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Ethical issues
Environmental sustainability
Open research practices
Data sharing and management

These considerations strengthen the overall quality and credibility of the proposal.

10. Realistic resources and value for money (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Reviewers assess whether:

The requested budget is appropriate
Resources are well justified
Staffing is realistic
Equipment requests are necessary
The project offers good value for public funding

Strong justification of resources is an important component of UKRI review.

Specialties

Obesity

Eligibility Requirements

This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Check if your organisation is eligible.

Who is eligible to apply

The nominated director (project lead) should lead the application, alongside a leadership team, and with the full support of their host research organisations.

To be eligible to apply for UK Obesity Research Institute (UK-ORI) funding, you must:

have the relevant expertise and experience to lead or contribute to an internationally leading investment of significant scale
show how you will strategically direct the investment, be actively engaged in the work and support a positive research culture
focus your application on mechanistic research tackling important multidisciplinary health challenges related to obesity

For applicants who do not have a contract of employment for the duration of the proposed project, by submitting an application the research organisation is confirming that, if it is successful:

contracts will be extended beyond the end date of the project
all necessary support for you and the project will be provided, including mentorship and career development for early career researchers

Demand management

An eligible research organisation may lead one application only but is allowed to be a co-lead, or collaborate, on other applications.

Who is not eligible to apply

If you are employed by the following organisations, you cannot apply as project lead or project co-lead but can participate as project partners on an application led by an eligible UK organisation:

businesses
charity and third sector organisations

International researchers

International organisations cannot lead an application as part of the leadership team or lead one of the UK research sites. International researchers are permitted as a project co-lead (international) if making an important research contribution to one of the UK sites.

We would expect co-leads based outside the UK to offer expertise, or facilities not available in the UK, and to provide clear indicators of commitment to the UK-ORI. The contribution and added value of the international participants to the research collaboration should be clearly explained and justified in the application.

Read the UKRI project co-lead (international) eligibility for more details. Please contact us if you are uncertain about eligibility. See the ‘Contact details’ section.

You should include all other international collaborators (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) as project partners.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion

We are committed to achieving equality of opportunity for all funding applicants. We encourage applications from a diverse range of researchers.

We support people to work in a way that suits their personal circumstances. This includes:

career breaks
support for people with caring responsibilities
flexible working
alternative working patterns

UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) applicants and grant holders during the application and assessment process.

Eligible Countries:

United Kingdom

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: UK Research and Innovation

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: Polaris House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FL

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