Wellcome Accelerator Funding Program 2026

Deadline: Aug 25, 2026

other

partially funded

To Apply

Please visit the application link below to apply.

Opportunity Overview

The Wellcome Accelerator Funding Program 2026 is now accepting applications. This program aims to improve equity in academic research by supporting researchers from underrepresented heritage backgrounds in the United Kingdom. It combines research funding with career development support, including training, networking, and secondments.

📝 About the Wellcome Accelerator Funding Program

The Wellcome Accelerator Funding Program is designed to:

Support researchers from underrepresented heritage backgrounds in the UK.
Enable long-term career progression in research and academia.
Provide a combination of research funding and career development support, such as:
- Training
- Networking opportunities
- Secondments

💰 Benefits of the Program

Participants in the program will receive:

Up to £200,000 for project expenses.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Background and Experience

The lead applicant must:

Self-identify as being from one of the following heritage backgrounds:
- Black heritage background, including mixed heritage backgrounds (e.g., Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other).
- Bangladeshi heritage background, including mixed heritage backgrounds.
- Pakistani heritage background, including mixed heritage backgrounds.
Be currently working in or ordinarily resident in the UK.
Have completed a substantive period of research training relevant to their discipline by the time of application. This includes:
- PhD completion or an equivalent higher research degree.
- If currently studying for a PhD, having passed the viva examination by the application deadline.
- If not pursuing a PhD, having at least four years of equivalent research experience (e.g., in humanities or social sciences).
Have been awarded:
- An undergraduate degree at a UK institution, or
- A PhD at a UK institution.

Additional Requirements

If you hold a permanent, open-ended, or long-term rolling contract, you must have been appointed within the last three years, unless:

You spent time away from research due to personal circumstances (e.g., career break, parental leave, long-term sick leave, or chronic illness).
You worked part-time in a role where research was not part of the responsibilities (e.g., as a healthcare professional).
You worked part-time, and your cumulative research time is less than three years.

📅 Application Date and Process

Application Deadline: 25 August 2026
To apply, visit the official application website.

🔗 Additional Information

For more details about the program, visit the Wellcome Accelerator Funding Program page.

This program offers a unique opportunity for researchers from underrepresented backgrounds to advance their careers in academia while receiving substantial funding and professional development support. Don't miss out on this chance to make a meaningful impact in your field!

Benefits

Up to £200,000 for project expenses

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