Partnerships are novel collaborative activities between researchers, to transform our understanding of causes and mechanisms of disease and help accelerate diagnosis, advance treatment and prevent human illness.
Call opens: 7th April 2026
Closing date: - open-ended
Funding level: not stated, but historically varies (typically £300,000 – £2 million+; industry co-investment required). Funding is available for between 18 months and five years.
The MRC Partnership Grant supports biomedical and health sciences research conducted in partnership with industry or other non-academic organisations. The scheme is designed to enable translation and application of basic research insights, with industry or commercial partners contributing to project costs. Like the Research Grant, applications are accepted on a rolling basis from 7 April 2026, with shortlisting in July 2026 and decisions in December 2026.
Eligibility: Lead applicant must be a UK-based researcher at an eligible research organisation. A confirmed non-academic partner (industry, NHS, charity, or other) is required, with the partner contributing to project costs. Falls within MRC scientific remit.
MRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) and 100% of exceptions.
Funding is available for up to five years.
