Established in 1936 following the passing of pharmaceutical entrepreneur Sir Henry Wellcome, our global charitable foundation is dedicated to advancing health for all. Sir Henry’s legacy included his wealth, an extensive collection of historical medical artifacts, and a visionary mission to improve health through scientific research. These core elements continue to guide our work today. With a long-standing commitment to funding innovative research, we support scientists and researchers across a range of disciplines, enabling them to explore new ideas and generate breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide. Our mission extends beyond medical science into areas that intersect with health, such as social sciences and humanities, recognizing the complex factors that shape wellbeing. Our values emphasize integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration, promoting a research culture that prioritizes responsible innovation and the advancement of global health equity. We aim to foster the next generation of scientific leaders while creating opportunities that contribute to both individual growth and broader societal progress. Over the years, our foundation has played a significant role in funding pioneering work that has transformed healthcare and medical understanding across the globe.

This funding scheme is designed for early-career researchers from any discipline who are ready to develop their own research identity through an independent project. The grant supports innovative research that advances understanding related to human life, health, and wellbeing, or that develops new methodologies, tools, or conceptual frameworks that benefit health-related research. By the end of the grant period, recipients are expected to be prepared to lead an independent research programme.

In addition to conducting impactful research, grantees are expected to grow technically, gain experience with varied research methodologies, build collaborative networks, develop leadership and people management skills, and foster a positive, inclusive research culture. The grant duration is typically five years, although it may vary depending on the discipline or whether the award is held part-time.

The scheme provides a competitive salary and up to £400,000 for research-related expenses, with certain additional costs covered separately. It’s a career-building opportunity for those committed to contributing original research to the broader field of health and human understanding. For those who later pursue careers outside of academia, the skills gained through the award are highly transferable to roles in industry, education, and policy-making.