2026 Emerging Leaders Prize in the Early Origins of Health and Disease

The Medical Research Foundation is inviting applications from UK-based researchers who are making significant contributions to research on the Early Origins of Health and Disease to apply for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Prize.This prize is intended to celebrate the achievements of outstanding UK researchers who are making a contribution to Early Origins of Health and Disease research, and who have demonstrated their potential to be a research leader of the future. Applications within the broad field of Early Origins of Health and Disease research are welcomed. We particularly encourage applications from eligible researchers working to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms and impact of inequalities and poverty on early development and health outcomes. However, applications including research on any areas of Early Origins of Health and Disease will be considered.Up to £200,000 is available to recognise and celebrate the work of emerging UK research leaders who have made significant contributions to Early Origins of Health and Disease research.A top prize of £100,000 will be awarded and smaller prizes of various amounts for second place and highly commended candidates.Key Dates:

Deadline for submission: 12:00 Thursday 16 April 2026Shortlisting notification: July 2026Interview panel meeting: September 2026Funding decision and feedback: September/October 2026

 Any queries should be sent to: research@medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk