Deadline: 13-Apr-2026
The Breakthrough T1D Small Grant Programme provides funding for early career researchers in the UK to pursue innovative projects on type 1 diabetes. Grants of up to £20,000 for basic research and £30,000 for clinical research support exploratory studies that can inform future research, clinical practice, and patient-focused outcomes.
Overview
The programme aims to:
- Support early career researchers across basic science, clinical practice, and healthcare professions
- Encourage innovative research with clear impact pathways in type 1 diabetes
- Generate critical data to strengthen applications for larger grants
- Integrate the perspectives of people living with type 1 diabetes
- Facilitate research that can lead to future clinical or scientific advancements
Funding & Duration
- Basic research: up to £20,000
- Clinical research: up to £30,000
- Maximum project duration: 12 months
- Funding supports exploratory or early-stage studies, not supplements to existing large grants (though justified sub-studies may be considered)
Eligibility
- Early career researchers:
- Basic scientists (PhD within past 10 years)
- Clinicians or healthcare professionals (including allied health professionals)
- Restrictions: Must not have previously held a principal investigator grant exceeding £100,000 (excluding personal fellowships)
- Career interruptions for personal/family reasons are considered
- Affiliation: Must be with a UK academic or medical institution with a contract extending beyond the project period
- Research location: Must be conducted in the UK
Why It Matters
The programme builds research capacity, supports innovative type 1 diabetes studies, and helps early career investigators generate impactful findings that can improve patient care and advance scientific understanding.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility as an early career researcher in the UK
- Prepare a research proposal with a clear impact pathway
- Ensure project aligns with type 1 diabetes innovation and patient relevance
- Submit the application according to programme guidelines
FAQs
- Who can apply?
Early career researchers in the UK, including basic scientists, clinicians, and healthcare professionals. - What funding is available?
Up to £20,000 for basic research, up to £30,000 for clinical research. - What is the maximum project duration?
12 months. - Can existing grant holders apply?
Only if they haven’t held a grant over £100,000 as principal investigator (excluding personal fellowships). - Where must the research be conducted?
Within the UK. - Are patient perspectives required?
Yes, projects should incorporate the needs and perspectives of people living with type 1 diabetes. - Can this funding supplement other grants?
Generally no, unless it’s a well-justified sub-study.
Conclusion
The Breakthrough T1D Small Grant Programme empowers UK early career researchers to pursue innovative, impactful studies in type 1 diabetes, supporting the next generation of research leaders and advancing understanding and management of the disease.
For more information, visit Breakthrough T1D.