Wellcome is a globally recognized charitable foundation established in 1936, dedicated to advancing science to address pressing health challenges. With a substantial investment portfolio of £37.6 billion, Wellcome funds groundbreaking, curiosity-driven research while actively tackling three major global health concerns—climate change, infectious diseases, and mental health. The foundation provides researchers with the time and resources necessary to drive scientific breakthroughs that improve health worldwide. Beyond funding, Wellcome collaborates with policymakers, conducts advocacy campaigns, and forms strategic partnerships to ensure that scientific advancements benefit people across all regions. By fostering innovation and supporting pioneering research, Wellcome plays a critical role in transforming health outcomes and enhancing global well-being.

This grant aims to support validation research for novel therapeutic targets associated with early intervention in anxiety, depression, and psychosis. The initiative is designed in collaboration with the Psychiatry Consortium to facilitate rigorous early-stage target validation. It funds studies that generate data demonstrating a target’s potential for drug development while also ensuring non-viable targets are identified early. Eligible targets include receptors, proteins, enzymes, biomolecules, and gut microbiomes. Research activities must show that modulating a target impacts pathophysiological processes and could lead to clinical benefits. Projects must outline target novelty, biological rationale, patient impact, feasibility, and expertise of the research team. The ultimate goal is to support the development of effective pharmacological treatments for mental health disorders.