Wellcome Accelerator Awards

This scheme will support researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK to undertake activities that put them in a stronger position to reach their next career stage within academia. The funding can be used for research or research-adjacent activities, such as training, secondments, and networking.

 

Who can apply

 

Your background and experience

The lead applicant must: 

  • Self-identify as being from a:
    • Black heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Black African; Black Caribbean; Black Other; Mixed background (must include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).
    • Bangladeshi heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Bangladeshi Other; Mixed background (must include Bangladeshi backgrounds).
    • Pakistani heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Pakistani Other; Mixed background (must include Pakistani backgrounds).
  • Currently be working in or ordinarily resident in the UK.
  • Have completed a substantive period of research training relevant to their discipline by the time they submit the application. This means you must fit at least one of the following:
    • you have completed a PhD (for example, in the life sciences) or an equivalent higher research degree
    • if you are currently studying for a PhD, you must have passed your viva examination by the application deadline
    • if you have not started a PhD or equivalent degree, you must have at least four years' equivalent research experience (for example, in the humanities and social sciences)
  • Have been awarded an undergraduate degree at a UK institution or a PhD at a UK institution.

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

  • spent time away from research due to personal circumstances (for example, for a career break, parental leave, long-term sick leave or a chronic illness)
  • worked part-time and research was not part of the role (for example if you have been employed as a healthcare professional)
  • worked part-time and your cumulative research time is less than three years 

If you hold a proleptic appointment, you can request your salary costs from Wellcome for the duration of the award. 

If your contractual circumstances change between the point of application and your award activation, you must tell us immediately, as this may change your eligibility for salary. We will not normally supplement salary funds after the award has been made (read our supplementary grant funding page for more information). 

How much time you must contribute 

You should spend at least 80% of your research time on the grant. 

If you are requesting your salary on the award, you should not spend more than 20% of your time on non-research related activities, for example, clinical duties, teaching or administration. If you're in a clinical craft speciality, you may spend up to 40% of your time on clinical duties. 

If you are not requesting your salary on the award, you should be spending sufficient time on the proposed activities to achieve the aims of the proposed work.

Health professionals 

If you are a health professional and want to continue with clinical activities, you must be registered with and licensed by the relevant professional regulator in the country you intend to work in. Read our Q&As for health professionals.

Read about the different applicant roles at Wellcome.

Where you're based

You must be currently working in or ordinarily resident in the UK.

Your administering organisation must be in the UK. The grant cannot be held at an organisation outside the UK at any time.

 

Your nationality

Any nationality is eligible, as long as you meet the conditions outlined above for the lead applicant.

 

For more information and to enter visit https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/wellcome-accelerator-awards#scheme-at-a-glance-6fd1