Brain Research Trust
Could Brain Research Trust fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £250,000 – £300,000
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Two-stage application
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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brainresearchuk.org.ukAbout Brain Research Trust
The Brain Research Trust funds medical research across the UK, supporting project grants and fellowships for neurological conditions. Established in 1971, the charity is committed to high-quality, peer-reviewed science and nurtures early-career researchers through post-doctoral and clinical PhD fellowships. Their mission is to advance understanding and treatments for brain and nervous system conditions, guided by an evidence-led approach that prioritises patient needs. The Trust focuses exclusively on brain research, distinguishing itself through rigorous peer review and strategic funding of underfunded areas. They work with UK universities, academic institutions, and hospitals, investing in sustained investigation over time.
What Brain Research Trust funds
The Trust funds research into brain and nervous system conditions, including brain tumours, brain and spinal cord injury, and headache or facial pain. They support project grants for investigator-led studies, basic science, translational research, and clinical trials. Fellowships cover research, salaries, and training for early-career scientists. Grants are typically multi-year, allowing sustained investigation. Funding is available UK-wide to researchers at universities, academic institutions, and hospitals.
Who can apply
UK-based researchers at universities, academic institutions, or hospitals are eligible. The Trust supports both established and early-career scientists, including those applying for post-doctoral or clinical PhD fellowships. Applicants must have salaries in place for fellowships. Proposals must align with the Trust's priority themes. There is no restriction on the religious context of applicants or organisations.
What Brain Research Trust doesn't fund
The Trust does not fund institutional overhead costs such as rent, general utilities, or general administrative costs. They exclude publication costs, core costs, service provision, and advocacy. For fellowships, they will not contribute to salaries other than the applicant. Capital funding for equipment is limited to a modest amount. Non-neurological research is not supported.
How they like to fund
The Trust offers both project grants and fellowships, typically as multi-year awards. They fund research costs, salaries for fellowship applicants, and training. Funding is provided through grants that allow sustained investigation. The Trust welcomes unsolicited applications and works with UK-wide institutions. They do not fund overheads or publication costs.
How much does Brain Research Trust give?
Brain Research Trust runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 24 sourced facts
- Online portal
- 1 rounds a year
- Decisions in ~20 weeks
- Multi-year funding
- Two-stage process
- 1 rounds a year
- Decisions in ~20 weeks
- Multi-year funding
Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.
What Brain Research Trust funds — and what they won't
The full exclusions list (1)
- We will not contribute to salaries other than that of the applicant. Capital funding for the purchase of equipment is limited to £20,000. We cannot contribute towards institutional overhead costs such as rent, general utilities, or general administrative costs. We do not fund publication costs.
Good to know
How to apply to Brain Research Trust
Brain Research Trust takes applications via two-stage application.
- Published programme route: online portal.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Brain Research Trust could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Brain Research Trust provide?
Brain Research Trust runs 2 grant programmes — Fellowships (Post-doctoral and Clinical PhD): Up to £300,000 · Project grants: Up to £400,000.
Where does Brain Research Trust fund charities?
Brain Research Trust funds charities operating in the UK.
Does Brain Research Trust accept unsolicited applications?
Brain Research Trust accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Brain Research Trust not fund?
Their published exclusions include: We will not contribute to salaries other than that of the applicant. Capital funding for the purchase of equipment is limited to £20,000. We cannot contribute towards institutional overhead costs such as rent, general utilities, or general administrative costs. We do not fund publication costs.. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Brain Research Trust?
Brain Research Trust takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: online portal.
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Could Brain Research Trust be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.