MRC board and panel observer scheme

We select new board and panel observers yearly. Applications will open again in early 2026.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is offering the opportunity to observe a board or panel funding meeting, providing valuable insight into the decision-making processes at MRC.

The opportunity is aimed at early to mid-career researchers who are transitioning to independence as defined in skills and experience to win support.

This forms part of MRC’s commitment to the development of people and skills and will prioritise places for underrepresented groups.

MRC also has a board and panel associates scheme.

What the scheme offers

We hope the opportunity to observe an MRC funding meeting:

  • enhances transparency and provides insight into the work our research boards and panels do to ensure we fund the best quality science
  • allows observers to better understand how complex elements (for example research questions, methodological approach, expected value or impact and cost effectiveness) come together to reach funding decisions
  • is informative for observers to help in developing their own successful research applications
  • assists observers in providing high-quality reviews
  • gives observers the opportunity to provide their views on the assessment process and suggestions for improvements

All observers will:

  • receive a briefing on the MRC grant assessment process specific to the funding meeting they are attending
  • attend a debriefing session to discuss what they observed at the funding meeting

We encourage observers to use this information for further dissemination and to share their experience with colleagues.

How to apply

This scheme is currently closed. Applications will open again in early 2026 for selected boards and panels. Details will be available on this page.

UKRI is Disability Confident Committed. We will do our best to support any particular requirements to enable you to apply, and participate fully as an observer if you are successful.

Ask a question about the observer scheme

Email: rfpd@mrc.ukri.org

Last updated: 9 May 2025

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