MRC Centre of Research Excellence: round four: outline application

This funding opportunity supports the establishment of MRC Centres of Research Excellence (MRC CoREs) to tackle complex and interdisciplinary health challenges. MRC CoREs will support bold and ambitious research focused on a defined challenge that will be transformative to biomedical research or health research within 14 years, enhancing approaches to prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. The funding aims to create beacons of excellence in research culture, equality, diversity and inclusion, leadership models and innovation. Applications can be from single research organisations or partnerships, with awards initially lasting seven years and potential extension for a further seven years based on successful review. Round four welcomes applications across any part of MRC remit, with an additional highlight area focused on innovation in the development and translation of novel blood products in partnership with the Ministry of Defence. MRC CoREs are expected to be outward facing, harnessing the best talent in the UK to deliver upon their proposed vision and providing a stimulating environment to train the next generation of researchers and technologists. A minimum expectation is for doubling of the MRC CoRE associated budget through external funding by the mid-term point.