The ‘Medical Research Council Regional Account for Clinical Researchers BEACON (Building translational research Excellence Amongst Clinicians of the North)’ programme, is a new opportunity designed to support clinical academic career development across the North of England.
Delivered through the Medical Research Council (MRC) Regional Account for Clinical Researchers (RACR) programme, the scheme offers up to £50,000 to support protected research time for registered healthcare professionals who hold a PhD or MD.
The funding call for the MRC RACR BEACON Award aims to help researchers maintain or re-establish research momentum and strengthen their competitiveness for future fellowships and research awards.
Who can apply
The scheme is specifically targeted at two recognised clinical academic career transition points:
– Doctors and dentists returning to academic training following completion of a PhD or MD.
– Registered healthcare professionals returning to research after a period away from research.
Key dates
– Applications open: 1 September 2026
– Application webinar: 21 September 2026
– Application deadline: 23 October 2026, 4pm
– Applications reviewed: November 2026
– Funding outcomes communicated: Late 2026
Prospective applicants are encouraged to discuss their proposal with their local BEACON Centre Lead as early as possible to allow sufficient time for approvals and application development.
Find out more
Further information, application guidance and supporting resources can be found on the Funding Calls section of the BEACON webpage.
Prospective applicants are also encouraged to watch the recording of the MRC RACR: BEACON Award Application Webinar, which provides further information about the funding call, eligibility requirements and the application process.
The BEACON team are also hosting application clinics on:
– 29/09/26: Register here
– 14/10/26: Register here
Or contact nhrp.academy@newcastle.ac.uk with any questions.
