The Developmental Pathway Funding Scheme (DPFS) is part of the Medical Research Council’s (MRC) Clinical and translational research strategy and supports the translation of fundamental discoveries into benefits for human health. It funds the pre-clinical development and early clinical testing of novel therapeutics, devices and diagnostics, including repurposing of existing therapies.

The scheme supports academically-led projects whose goals are to improve prevention, diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment of significant health needs, or that focus on developing research tools that increase the efficiency of developing interventions.

Individual projects can start and finish at any point along the translational pathway from early development and design, pre-clinical testing of novel interventions to early-phase clinical studies and trials (phases 1 and 2a). Applicants must provide sufficient proof-of-concept data in support of their approach. Follow-on proposals may be submitted where the applicant can justify the need for continued support.

All human diseases and medical interventions are eligible for support, both in the context of UK healthcare and addressing global health issues. This includes small molecules, peptides, antibodies, vaccines, gene therapy, devices, surgical techniques and psychological approaches.

Eligible applicants must meet UKRI individual eligibility criteria and meet the following requirements:

• Be employed by an eligible research organisation.
• Show that they will direct the project and be actively engaged in the work.
• Be looking to develop and test novel therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and other interventions.

Up to £30 million is available through this scheme annually. The MRC meets the academic costs of projects at 80% of the full economic cost (FEC). There is no formal limit to the total amount that can be requested in a DPFS grant – all costs should be fully justified within a proposal and the panel will assess value for money in the context of the proposed work.

Applications are now open and can be submitted throughout 2026 with the following deadlines: 18 March, 15 July and 18 November.