NOFO: Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation Grant (United Kingdom)

The Medical Research Council (MRC), with the Office for Life Sciences as a co-funder, is inviting applications to establish Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI). The programme will fund up to four UK centres to address strategic regulatory science priorities through sustained research programmes. The application window opens on 22 September 2026 (9:00am UK time) and closes on 12 January 2027 (4:00pm UK time). This funding opportunity aims to establish four Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSIs) across the UK. The centres are intended to address regulatory science areas of strategic importance to the UK by bringing together expertise from a wide range of stakeholders, including: CERSIs are designed to strengthen the UK regulatory innovation ecosystem by advancing regulatory science. The programme focuses on generating evidence, methods, tools, and standards that can support regulatory decision-making and translation into regulatory practice.

Cost-sharing / restrictions: Not specified in the source.

To apply, you must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for MRC funding.

Applicants must:

For applicants who do not have a contract of employment for the duration of the proposed project, submitting an application confirms that the research organisation will ensure that, if successful: You are not eligible to apply as a project lead if you are based at an international research organisation.

This also includes project leads from:

If you are employed by any of the following organisations, you cannot apply as project lead or project co-lead, but you can participate as a project partner on an application led by an eligible UK organisation: However, charities and third sector organisations that are approved UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) independent research organisations are eligible to apply as project lead or project co-lead. Because MRC is a lead funder, international researchers can apply as “project co-lead (international)”. All other international collaborators (or UK partners not based at approved organisations) should be included as project partners. The funder encourages applications from a diverse range of researchers and supports flexible working and career breaks. UKRI can offer disability and accessibility support during the application and assessment process. Applications must align with one of four CERSI strategic themes: Unless otherwise stated, themes encompass: CERSI research programmes should operate as an adaptive portfolio informed by horizon scanning and engagement with regulators, researchers, patients, industry, and wider stakeholders. Centres are expected to respond to emerging priorities within their theme over the award lifetime. This opportunity supports the creation of long-term, UK-based regulatory science capability by funding centres that connect research excellence with regulatory needs. By requiring programmes to generate evidence, methods, tools, and standards with pathways into regulatory decision-making, CERSIs are positioned to help address regulatory challenges and uncertainties—supporting safer and more efficient access to healthcare innovation. Official application link: Not specified in the source text beyond the “Start application” prompt. Use the official UKRI opportunity page for the submission portal and any required forms. 1) What is the Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI) opportunity? It is a UKRI/MRC grant opportunity to establish up to four Centres of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation to address strategic regulatory science priorities through sustained research programmes.

2) Who funds this opportunity?

The funder is the Medical Research Council (MRC), with the Office for Life Sciences as a co-funder.

3) How much funding is available?

The total fund is £20,000,000. The source does not specify how much is available per centre.

4) What is the project duration?

CERSIs are funded for up to five years: an initial three years, with a further two years dependent on government spending review and budget allocation.

5) What are the application opening and closing dates?

The application opens on 22 September 2026 (9:00am UK time) and closes on 12 January 2027 (4:00pm UK time).

6) Who can apply?

Organisations must be based in the UK and be eligible for MRC funding. Applications must be led by the nominated centre director (project lead) from a single eligible organisation or a partnership of eligible organisations.

7) Can international researchers be involved?

Yes. International researchers can apply as project co-lead (international) if they make a major intellectual contribution and justify their added value. Other international collaborators should be included as project partners. Review the official UKRI opportunity page for the application portal, any additional guidance, and any theme-specific expectations that may not be fully detailed in the provided source text. Then confirm your organisation’s MRC eligibility and ensure your proposal is clearly aligned to one of the four CERSI strategic themes before submitting by 12 January 2027 (4:00pm UK time).