We are moving to ‘always open’ for our applicant-led system. Data demonstrates that externally published deadlines cause significant variation in the volume of applications we receive and in reviewer availability. Removing fixed deadlines helps to smooth these peaks and troughs.
To implement the necessary behind-the-scenes changes, we paused applications for some funding opportunities. Most of our funding opportunities remain open as usual.
Two of our research councils have paused applications for a small number of funding opportunities. These two councils are:
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Previously, we have also introduced a short, eight-week pause to the next Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Prosperity Partnerships opportunity to allow time for cross-UKRI input and ensure it delivers for all the industrial strategy sectors.
Across our other councils, funding opportunities continue as normal, with new opportunities opening regularly.
For the latest funding opportunities, visit the UKRI Funding Finder and check it regularly for updates.
Paused MRC opportunities
MRC has paused applications for some of its funding opportunities. These include MRC applicant-led research grants, new investigator research grants and partnership grants via the research boards; and some of its translational funding opportunities including experimental medicine, the Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme and the Developmental Pathway Gap Fund.
MRC’s funding for fellowships, studentships and MRC Centres of Research Excellence remain unaffected by these developments.
Applicant-led funding opportunities will reopen on 7 April, with experimental medicine opportunities opening on 30 April.
In July 2026 we will re-open:
- Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme stage one which will be re-named MRC Proof of Concept
- MRC Gap Fund which will be renamed MRC Impact Acceleration Awards
Further details on MRC unpausing opportunities are available in this news story.
Details on application opening dates are available on the MRC timeline
MRC applications currently being assessed
The transition to new ways of working means that we will likely have fewer awards available for applicants whose submissions we are currently assessing. Decisions on these applications are expected in April 2026.
This transition process does not affect awards that have already been offered, accepted, or started.
Paused BBSRC opportunities
To allow for the move to ‘always open’ funding opportunities, BBSRC has paused its applicant-led funding for:
- the new investigator grant
- the standard research grants
We expect these two opportunities to reopen by May 2026.
Last updated: 13 March 2026