Funding from the Medical Research Council for mid-range equipment primarily focused on biomedical research within MRC remit.

The Medical Research Council (MRC) is providing funding for mid-range equipment to enable and enhance research across MRC’s scientific remit.

Applications must consist of a single piece of capital equipment, which can include equipment that requires assembly or involves several components (not necessarily physically linked) provided they constitute a single technology platform. The primary purpose of the equipment must be biomedical research within MRC remit. Relevance to MRC priority areas is particularly encouraged.

Applications may be for new capability or replacement equipment for existing capability. In the case of the latter, applications are encouraged to outline any additional new capacity or capability provided by the replacement.

Applications for second-hand or beta-testing equipment are also permitted, provided the applicant can demonstrate how they are addressing any associated risks with increased chance of equipment failure. Costs such as initial installation or service maintenance contracts can be included if they are one-off costs and part of the manufacturer’s offer.

This funding opportunity is open to organisations with standard eligibility. Applicants must be researchers or research technical professionals employed by an eligible research organisation. A limit of two applications per research organisation is in place for this opportunity, unless otherwise notified by MRC.

A total of £14 million is available. Applicants can request a contribution of between £200,000 and £1 million (including VAT) for equipment. Funding will be issued at 100% full economic cost. The total cost of the equipment may be higher than £1 million; however, the remainder must be met by other contributions.

A webinar will be held on 7 September 2026 at 10:00 to provide more information about the opportunity and a chance to ask questions.