Funding to enable 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.

Wellcome’s Accelerator Awards provide funding to 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 is flexible and can be used for research or research-adjacent activities, such as training, secondments and networking. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Developing a novel research idea, pilot/proof-of-concept/scoping study and gathering related preliminary data.
• Taking up research skills training opportunities or other appropriate courses.
• Writing and (co-)authoring papers, books, articles or funding applications.
• Research time at another research institution in the UK or abroad.
• Secondment opportunities for areas allied to research (eg the pharmaceutical industry or NGOs).
• Planning meetings of collaborative networks or conferences.

This list is not exhaustive and applicants are encouraged to propose activities they believe will best enable them to reach their next career stage. Research in any discipline is permitted but must align with Wellcome’s Discovery Research remit.

Applicants must be early or mid-career researchers currently working or ordinarily resident in the UK, and must self-identify as being from a Black, Bangladeshi or Pakistani heritage background. Applicants must have a PhD/equivalent higher research degree from a UK institution, or, if a PhD/equivalent degree has not started, have at least four years’ equivalent research experience. Candidates must have completed a substantive period of research training relevant to their discipline.

Applicants must be based at an eligible host organisation that can sign up to Wellcome’s grant conditions. These include higher education institutions, research institutes, non-academic healthcare organisations and not-for-profit organisations.

Funding is available for up to two years to cover the applicant’s salary (if required) and up to £200,000 for project expenses.

A webinar will take place on 2 June 2026 (14.00 BST) to provide more information about the funding opportunity. Advance registration is required to attend. There will be a Q&A session; questions must be submitted by 22 May 2026.