Wellcome Accelerator Awards 2026: Up to £200,000 Research Funding for UK-Based Researchers ·Wellcome Trust

Overview

The Wellcome Trust has opened applications for its prestigious Wellcome Accelerator Awards 2026, a funding initiative designed to support early- and mid-career researchers in the United Kingdom. This programme specifically targets researchers of Black, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani heritage, helping them advance to the next stage of their academic careers through flexible funding and structured professional development.

Eligibility

The programme is open to early-career and mid-career researchers who must self-identify as being from Black, Bangladeshi, or Pakistani heritage. Eligible candidates must also:

• Be currently working in or ordinarily resident in the UK
• Hold a PhD or equivalent research experience
• Have completed substantial research training relevant to their field
• Possess an undergraduate or doctoral degree from a UK institution

Benefits

This programme offers:

• Funding of up to £200,000 for project expenses
• Salary support, if required
• Duration of up to 2 years
• Flexibility to use funding for research and research-adjacent activities, including training, networking, and publishing

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the Wellcome Funding Platform and approved by the applicant’s host institution before final submission. Applicants are encouraged to begin preparations early, as institutional approval processes may require additional time.

Deadline

Application deadline: 25 August 2026