We’re funding up to an additional £8.5 million to expand our ‘early independence’ Career Development Award (CDA) and Clinical Scientist Fellowship (CSF) schemes.
This will make it easier for international researchers to build independent careers in the UK.
MRC fellowships
Fellows are central to the UK’s research ecosystem; they bring fresh ideas and drive curiosity-led science that supports the UK’s health and prosperity.
Our fellowships enable independence for non-clinical and clinically active researchers and provide a springboard to longer-term positions in the UK.
Fellows can choose their host institution anywhere in the country, offering flexibility at a critical stage in their research journey.
Our fellowships are already open to international researchers seeking to re-locate to the UK.
This additional investment of £8.5 million over the next two years will also enable four or five additional talented early career researchers to start their independent research careers in the UK.
UK is the destination of choice
Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
This new investment from the Medical Research Council helps cement the UK as the destination of choice for researchers who want to collaborate, advance the frontiers of knowledge, and ultimately improve lives.
This builds on the government’s Global Talent Fund and other schemes and is adding to the over £115 million funding that is being made available from across the sector, to bring the very best scientific and research talent to the UK.
Removing barriers to relocation
As part of our investment, from January 2026 CDA and CSF awardees relocating to the UK can request support for visa costs for themselves and now their dependent family members.
We’re offering this additional visa support because gaining research independence often comes at a later life stage for medical researchers.
Usually as their careers involve extended training and, for many, clinical experience before starting their independent research career.
Visa fees and international health surcharge costs for a family of four can reach around £20,000 over a five-year fellowship, a cost that can discourage researchers from applying.
Covering these costs removes a practical barrier and reflects our commitment to making our UK fellowships accessible to talented researchers.
Commitment to nurturing talent
Professor Patrick Chinnery, Executive Chair of MRC, said:
Global research talent brings fresh ideas and approaches that strengthen the UK’s research ecosystem.
They drive discovery, deepen understanding of the mechanisms underpinning disease, and lead to advances in health and economic growth.
Our investment reflects our commitment to nurturing both clinical and non-clinical talent and ensuring the UK remains a place where ambitious science can thrive.