Medical Research Council (MRC) Funding Opportunity – Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers

Posted by: Holly - Posted on:

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), through its Medical Research Council (MRC), has announced a new £6 million pilot initiative aimed addressing gaps in support for clinical researchers at critical career pinch points. The Regional Accounts for Clinical Researchers (RACR) programme will open for applications on 14 October 2025, with a closing date of 18 December 2025.

The funding will support four to six regional consortia composed of universities, medical schools, and NHS trusts. Each consortium will receive up to four years of funding at 100% full economic cost, with a midterm review to assess progress.

Key features of the initiative include:

  • Flexible, locally managed funding to support individual researchers
  • Strong regional partnerships, including collaborations between newer and established institutions
  • Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
  • Encouragement of wider partnerships with charities, industry, and digital tech firms to enhance researcher mobility

To express interest, applicants must complete a short survey by 27 November 2025, providing details of the project lead and consortium partners.

For more information, please see the following pre announcement text by UKRI: Pre-announcement: Regional accounts for clinical researchers – UKRI