MRC Proof of Concept: Stage One (UK)

Deadline: 18-Nov-2026

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Proof of Concept grant supports academically led translational research that moves promising health innovations from early prototypes toward clinical testing. The programme funds projects that demonstrate proof of concept and develop novel health interventions through early-stage clinical studies up to Phase 2a.

The funding helps researchers bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world healthcare applications by supporting development, testing, validation, and translation of innovative health solutions.

Overview of the MRC Proof of Concept Grant

The Medical Research Council Proof of Concept programme is designed to support researchers developing new health interventions with clear potential for clinical impact.

The programme focuses on translating scientific discoveries into practical healthcare solutions by supporting:

• Development of health-related prototypes.
• Testing and validation of innovative interventions.
• Early-phase clinical studies.
• Translational research pathways.
• Movement of discoveries toward patient benefit.

The grant is intended for projects with strong scientific foundations and a clear plan for progressing toward clinical application.

Purpose of the Proof of Concept Grant

The main purpose of the grant is to support translational research that converts promising academic discoveries into potential healthcare interventions.

The programme aims to:

• Accelerate development of novel health technologies.
• Support movement from prototype development to clinical evaluation.
• Generate evidence needed for future research and investment.
• Encourage collaboration between academic, industry, and healthcare partners.
• Improve the pathway from scientific discovery to patient impact.

Projects must demonstrate a clear route from proof of concept evidence to future clinical development.

What Type of Research Does the Grant Support?

The grant supports academically led translational research involving novel health interventions.

Supported projects may include:

• Development of new therapies.
• Diagnostic technologies.
• Medical technologies.
• Digital health interventions.
• Other innovative healthcare solutions.

Projects may progress through:

• Prototype development.
• Preclinical testing.
• Validation studies.
• Early clinical studies.
• Phase 1 and Phase 2a clinical research.

Clinical Development Scope

The programme supports clinical development up to:

• Phase 2a clinical studies.

Projects focused on later-stage clinical trials beyond Phase 2a are not eligible.

Funding Amount Available

There is no fixed maximum funding limit for the MRC Proof of Concept grant.

Applicants should request resources based on:

• Project requirements.
• Research activities.
• Translational objectives.
• Delivery timeline.

Budgets must be fully justified and demonstrate value for money.

Funding Contribution and Eligible Costs

The grant generally provides:

• 80% of the full economic cost of eligible research activities.
• 100% funding for permitted exceptions.

Supported costs may include:

Staff Costs

Funding may cover:

• Project lead salaries.
• Co-lead salaries.
• Research staff.
• Technical staff.

Research Costs

Eligible expenses may include:

• Laboratory consumables.
• Research materials.
• Specialist equipment.
• Data management activities.
• Research-related resources.

Project Delivery Costs

Funding may support:

• Travel expenses.
• Dissemination activities.
• Public involvement activities.
• Estates costs.
• Indirect costs.

International Collaboration Costs

Eligible costs for international project co-leads may be supported at 100%, subject to applicable restrictions and country-specific limits.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Applicants must be employed by an eligible research organisation and must actively lead and contribute to the proposed research.

Eligible applicants may include researchers based at:

• Higher education providers.
• Research institutes.
• Public sector research establishments.
• NHS bodies.
• Independent research organisations.
• Catapult centres.

Project Lead Requirements

The project lead must:

• Be employed by an eligible organisation.
• Direct the research project.
• Take an active role in project delivery.
• Demonstrate commitment to the proposed work.

Applicants must show that they have the expertise and authority to manage the translational research programme.

International Research Participation

International organisations cannot lead applications.

However, international researchers may participate as project co-leads if they:

• Make a significant intellectual contribution.
• Provide essential expertise.
• Add clear value to the research programme.

Proof of Concept Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate that their project has sufficient proof of concept evidence.

Applications should show:

• Existing research findings.
• Evidence supporting the intervention.
• Scientific justification.
• A realistic development pathway.
• Potential for future clinical translation.

Projects without supporting evidence or a clear translational plan are unlikely to be suitable.

How the MRC Proof of Concept Grant Works

Applicants should follow these steps when preparing their proposal:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should ensure they:

• Are employed by an eligible research organisation.
• Meet project leadership requirements.
• Have relevant proof of concept evidence.
• Are developing a health intervention within the funding scope.

Step 2: Develop the Translational Research Plan

Applicants should explain:

• The health challenge being addressed.
• The proposed intervention.
• Existing evidence supporting development.
• Research milestones.
• Clinical translation pathway.

Step 3: Build the Research Team

Applicants may include:

• Academic researchers.
• Technical specialists.
• Clinical collaborators.
• Industry partners.
• Charity partners.
• Other relevant organisations.

Collaborations should provide additional expertise, resources, technology, facilities, or funding.

Step 4: Prepare the Budget

Applicants should provide a justified budget covering:

• Staff requirements.
• Research expenses.
• Equipment.
• Data activities.
• Travel.
• Dissemination.
• Public involvement.

Step 5: Submit and Undergo Assessment

Applications are assessed based on:

• Strength of proof of concept evidence.
• Quality of translational strategy.
• Research importance.
• Feasibility.
• Potential healthcare impact.
• Strength of project team.

Industry, Charity, and External Partnerships

Collaboration with external organisations is encouraged but not required.

Potential partners may include:

• Industry organisations.
• Charities.
• Healthcare organisations.
• Technology providers.
• Research partners.

Partners may contribute:

• Cash funding.
• Specialist expertise.
• Equipment.
• Facilities.
• Materials.
• Technical support.

However, partners cannot include:

• Individuals already part of the core research team.
• Organisations employing core team members.

What the Grant Does Not Fund

The programme does not support:

• PhD studentships.
• Publication costs.
• Grant bridging activities.
• Intellectual property protection costs.
• Fundamental research without a translational pathway.
• Clinical trials beyond Phase 2a.
• Healthcare service delivery projects.
• Population-level health interventions.

Projects must focus on developing and translating innovative health interventions rather than delivering routine healthcare services.

Application Limits and Submission Rules

Applicants should be aware of the following rules:

• A researcher may submit a maximum of one application as project lead for this funding opportunity.
• Up to two Stage One applications may be submitted for the same project under resubmission rules following feedback.
• Applications must meet all eligibility and submission requirements.

Why the MRC Proof of Concept Grant Matters

Translational research plays an important role in moving scientific discoveries into healthcare solutions.

The programme helps researchers:

• Advance promising innovations.
• Generate clinical evidence.
• Reduce barriers between research and application.
• Develop solutions with patient impact.
• Strengthen collaboration across research sectors.

By supporting early translational development, the grant helps promising health discoveries move closer to real-world use.

Benefits for Researchers and Healthcare Innovation

Successful projects can:

• Accelerate intervention development.
• Strengthen evidence bases.
• Support clinical progression.
• Build partnerships.
• Increase readiness for future funding.
• Improve opportunities for healthcare impact.

Tips for Preparing a Strong Application

Applicants can improve proposals by:

• Clearly explaining the clinical need.
• Demonstrating strong proof of concept evidence.
• Providing a realistic translation pathway.
• Explaining how the project could benefit patients.
• Building a multidisciplinary team.
• Justifying all requested costs.
• Showing how partners add value.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Proposing basic research without translation plans.
• Requesting funding for late-stage clinical trials.
• Failing to provide proof of concept evidence.
• Including unsupported budget requests.
• Designing projects focused only on service delivery.
• Not explaining the route from discovery to clinical application.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MRC Proof of Concept grant?

The MRC Proof of Concept grant supports academically led translational research that develops and tests new health interventions from prototype stages through early clinical studies up to Phase 2a.

Is there a maximum funding limit?

No. There is no fixed funding limit, but all requested costs must be justified according to project needs.

Who can apply for this funding?

Researchers employed by eligible research organisations, including universities, research institutes, NHS bodies, and other approved organisations, may apply.

Can international researchers participate?

Yes. International co-leads may participate if they provide major intellectual contributions, but international organisations cannot lead applications.

Does the grant support clinical trials?

Yes, but only early-phase clinical studies up to Phase 2a. Later-stage clinical trials are not eligible.

Are industry partnerships required?

No. Industry, charity, and other partnerships are encouraged where they add value but are not mandatory.

Can the grant fund intellectual property protection or publication costs?

No. Intellectual property protection costs and publication costs are not eligible expenses.

Conclusion

The Medical Research Council Proof of Concept grant provides critical support for researchers transforming scientific discoveries into potential healthcare solutions. By funding translational research, prototype development, and early clinical studies, the programme helps innovative health interventions move closer to patient benefit.

Researchers applying for this opportunity should demonstrate strong proof of concept evidence, a clear translational pathway, appropriate expertise, and a well-justified plan for advancing their health innovation toward clinical impact.

For more information, visit UK Research and Innovation.