Medical Research Scotland
Could Medical Research Scotland fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Where they fund
- Scotland
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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medicalresearchscotland.org.ukAbout Medical Research Scotland
Medical Research Scotland is an independent charity that funds high-quality medical research in Scottish universities and research institutions. Their mission is to advance human health by supporting research into the causation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness, as well as the development of medical and surgical appliances. They value scientific excellence and rigorous peer review, and aim to nurture research talent at different career stages. The Trust funds PhD studentships and early career researcher grants, with a strong focus on Scotland.
What Medical Research Scotland funds
They support research across biology, chemistry, physics, and medical engineering, particularly early-stage projects that can catalyse major breakthroughs. Research must address a question relevant to human health – causation, prevention, diagnosis, treatment of illness or development of medical or surgical appliances. Their PhD studentships are fully funded, full-time programmes at recognised Scottish universities or research institutions. Early career researcher grants can fund laboratory consumables, equipment, computer hardware and software, purchase of time on shared facilities, specialised services such as statistical analysis, and travel for specific research purposes.
Who can apply
Applications must be made by a recognised Scottish university or research institution, known as the Administering Institution. PhD studentships require the host institution to provide a top-up per annum for the student. Early career researcher grants are for early career researchers who are further developing their independent programme of research, with awards normally lasting 12 to 24 months. Both programmes are open to organisations based in Scotland.
What Medical Research Scotland doesn't fund
They do not fund core costs, capital projects, or non-research activities. Early career researcher grants exclude salaries, publication costs, and maintenance costs for equipment. PhD studentships do not fund indirect costs or overheads.
How they like to fund
PhD studentships are awarded with a match funding contribution from the host institution. Early career researcher grants do not require match funding. They welcome unsolicited applications through their application management system, and their awards are for immediate use from the agreed start date.
How much does Medical Research Scotland give?
Medical Research Scotland runs 2 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 21 sourced facts
- 1 rounds a year
- Decisions in ~12 weeks
- Multi-year funding
- Online portal
- Multi-year funding
- Match funding required
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 Medical Research Scotland funds — and what they won't
To help recently appointed Early Career Researchers further develop their independent programme of research. Research must address a question relevant to human health – causation, prevention, diagnosis, treatment of illness or development of medical/surgical appliances.
The full exclusions list (1)
- Publication costs should not be included; maintenance costs for equipment excluded.
Good to know
How to apply to Medical Research Scotland
Medical Research Scotland takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online portal.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
What Medical Research Scotland's application asks
We hold the 18 questions from Medical Research Scotland's application form, word for word — so you know exactly what you're signing up to answer.
“1.1. Title of Institution”
“1.2. Full Postal Address”
16 more questions from their form, plus answers drafted from your charity's real data if you decide to apply.
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 Medical Research Scotland could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Medical Research Scotland provide?
Medical Research Scotland runs 2 grant programmes — Early Career Researcher Grants: Up to £25,000.
Where does Medical Research Scotland fund charities?
Medical Research Scotland funds charities operating in Scotland.
Does Medical Research Scotland accept unsolicited applications?
Medical Research Scotland accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
What does Medical Research Scotland not fund?
Their published exclusions include: Publication costs should not be included; maintenance costs for equipment excluded.. The full exclusions list is further up this page.
How do I apply for funding from Medical Research Scotland?
Medical Research Scotland takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online portal.
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Could Medical Research Scotland be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.