Funding Opportunities Upcoming Dates
30th March 2026 – Shaping the Future of Animal Health and Welfare BBSRC Funding
Funding of up to £730,000 to specifically to advance sustainable, resilient, ethically responsible livestock and aquaculture systems across Europe. Applications must include a UK team and at least two partners from at least two different member country co-funders.
31st March 2026 – Waltham Grants on Companion Animal Welfare
Funding projects from anywhere in the world which address the nutrition, health, behaviour, development or welfare of companion animals. They invite proposals from researchers based anywhere in the world for projects of up to £250,000 which target underserved or under-researched companion animal populations. This aims to expand the scope of scientific research and address critical gaps in knowledge across diverse geographic and demographic contexts.
10th May 2026 – Animal Welfare Foundation Research Call
If you are a researcher or practising vet/vet nurse with innovative research project ideas that could improve the lives of managed species in the UK, you could apply for funding for your research project and shape the future of animal welfare science. A total of £80,000 is available in this round.
Link to Animal Welfare Foundation
13th May 2026 – UKRI Translation: Proof of Concept
A total of £9 million is available for research commercialisation activities to develop new products, processes or services via future venture creation, licensing or other commercialisation routes. You must be based in a UK research organisation, projects can last 9 months and cost up to £250,000.
20th May 2026 – Morris Animal Foundation Veterinary Student Scholarships
The Veterinary Student Scholars program awards stipends to veterinary students who are selected by their institution to participate in clinical or basic animal health research. These can be on canine, feline, equid or wildlife projects.
16th June 2026 – UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships (round 11)
No maximum funding amount stated, £110 million in total available. These are for innovators or early career researchers who are looking to transition to independence or develop ambitious plans within a commercial setting.
Link to UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships
15th July 2026 – John Templeton Foundation Grants
Offers grants in support of research and public engagement, with major funding areas including the life sciences. No information on their website currently but the deadline was indicated on Research Professional.
Link to John Templeton Foundation
27th August 2026 – European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grants
ERC Advanced grants are designed to support Principal Investigators who are already established research leaders with a recognised track record of research achievements. €2.5 million available over 5 years, rising to €3.5 million in special cases. Principal Investigators must demonstrate the groundbreaking nature, ambition, and feasibility of their research proposal.
2nd September 2026 – European Research Council (ERC) Plus Grants
New grants for transformative projects that cannot be carried out with a regular ERC Grant. Applicants should be undisputed leaders in their field with a vision to e.g. transform their field or open a new field of research. Only 30 grants will be awarded per year across Europe and a strong justification is required for needing this larger grant. Individual grants for all career stages; up to €7m over max. 7 years.
