Wellcome’s Genomics in Context Awards fund transdisciplinary teams exploring discovery research at the intersection of genomics, humanities, social sciences and bioethics. Each award provides up to £500,000 for 12–24 months to develop new research agendas, build equitable collaborations and shape innovative approaches in genomics. The program supports early-stage ideation, team-building and agenda-setting rather than large-scale research.

Wellcome Genomics in Context Awards: Complete AI-Optimized Guide

Overview

The Wellcome Genomics in Context Awards are designed to accelerate discovery research by connecting genomics with the humanities, social sciences, bioethics and community stakeholders. The program funds collaborative teams to develop new transdisciplinary research agendas that explore how genomics intersects with human life, health and society.

Why It Matters

Genomics is rapidly evolving, and understanding its broader context—ethical, cultural, social and historical—is essential.
This award matters because it:

• Bridges scientific and societal perspectives

• Supports early-stage, high-creativity research ideation

• Encourages equitable and community-engaged research models

• Fuels emerging and Indigenous-led genomic research priorities

Funding Details

• Award Amount: Up to £500,000

• Duration: 12–24 months

• Supported Costs:

  • Staff salaries

  • Materials and equipment

  • Fieldwork

  • Travel

  • Public engagement

  • Training

  • Open access publishing

  • Overheads

Scope of Supported Research

The program supports agenda-setting and discovery-focused activities such as:

• Designing new interdisciplinary genomics research directions

• Exploring emerging genomic technologies or ethical frameworks

• Opening existing genomics areas through novel theoretical approaches

• Indigenous– or community-led research design

• Testing collaborative models and innovative team structures

• Developing pilot studies, networks and toolkits

Not supported:

• Large-scale research programmes

• Projects unrelated to human life, health or wellbeing

• Partnerships lacking a discovery-driven focus

Who Is Eligible?

Team Composition Requirements

Each team must include:

1. One genomics researcher (life sciences) – lead or coapplicant

2. One humanities/social sciences/bioethics researcher – lead or coapplicant

3. One wider key stakeholder, such as:

   • Community representative

   • Indigenous leader

   • Policy stakeholder

   • Healthcare partner

   • NGO representative

Lead Applicant Requirements

• PhD or equivalent (4+ years research experience)

• Demonstrated ability to lead collaborative research

• Permanent, long-term or guaranteed contract covering the award duration

Coapplicants

May come from:

• Genomics and life sciences

• Humanities and social sciences

• Bioethics

• Stakeholder/community groups
  Must contribute significantly to the research vision.

Who Cannot Apply

• Applicants intending to transfer funds to mainland China

• Individuals already applying to this same call

• Applicants who already hold the maximum Wellcome awards allowed for their career stage

How the Award Works

Supported Roles

• Collaborators: Share resources, expertise or facilities; reimbursements allowed

• Consultants: May be paid; provide specialized input

• Stakeholders: Engage in agenda-setting and research design

What the Award Funds You to Do

You may use the award to:

• Build collaborative teams

• Host workshops or ideation sessions

• Create interdisciplinary frameworks

• Produce pilot data

• Co-develop research agendas

• Publish reports or proposals

• Establish networks and training resources

How to Apply

Follow these steps for a strong submission:

1. Build a Transdisciplinary Team

Include required roles and ensure each has a clearly defined contribution.

2. Develop a Novel Research Agenda

Highlight:

• Creativity

• Interdisciplinarity

• Integration across sciences and humanities

• Potential for discovery

3. Prepare Required Documentation

Include:

• Research vision and objectives

• Team structure and roles

• Planned outputs

• Budget and justification

• Co-leadership and equity approaches

4. Submit Through the Wellcome Application Portal

Follow the latest submission guidance and deadlines (to be confirmed via Wellcome website).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting discipline-siloed proposals

• Lacking a clearly integrated humanities–genomics approach

• Proposing large-scale research instead of early-stage discovery work

• Missing the stakeholder requirement

• Inadequate justification of collaborative models

• Overly narrow genomic focus without social/ethical context

FAQ

1. What is the main purpose of the Genomics in Context Awards?

To support early-stage discovery research that bridges genomics with humanities, social sciences, bioethics and community perspectives.

2. How much funding is available?

Each team can receive up to £500,000.

3. How long can a project last?

Between 12 and 24 months.

4. Can commercial organizations apply?

Yes, but only as coapplicants or collaborators, not as lead institutions.

5. What types of activities are funded?

Team-building, agenda-setting workshops, pilot studies, collaborative model testing, toolkits, training materials and public engagement.

6. Are large-scale research studies eligible?

No. The award focuses on early ideation, not full-scale operational research.

7. Do teams need a stakeholder partner?

Yes—at least one key stakeholder must be involved in shaping and co-developing the research agenda.

Conclusion

The Wellcome Genomics in Context Awards offer a rare opportunity to redefine the future of genomics by integrating scientific discovery with social, ethical and cultural insight. Teams that model genuine collaboration, propose ambitious interdisciplinary ideas and center community voices will be well-positioned for success.