MRC/NC3Rs novel human in vitro models of complex disease

We are collaborating with the MRC, in partnership with Wellcome, BBSRC and EPSRC, to support interdisciplinary research clusters to drive the development, validation and/or adaptation of human in vitro models of complex disease that can replace the use of animals in academia and/or industry. Research clusters could include bioengineers, biologists, biophysicists, clinicians, computational scientists and industry scientists and should focus on disease areas of high unmet need and/or address common needs to impact multiple fields.  

The aim of the call is to generate clusters which will:

• Improve understanding of human disease mechanisms and better support therapeutic development for disease intervention.
• Overcome limitations of current in vivo and in vitro models to represent human pathophysiology and disease heterogeneity.
• Accelerate the development, validation and uptake of technologies and methods to accurately and reproducibly model human disease and reduce the reliance on animal models.

It is anticipated that up to five clusters will be funded from the total fund of £15M. The duration of each awarded cluster is expected to be four years.

Key dates

*Applicants are advised to wait until after the full funding opportunity opens 5 November 2024 before finalising their expression of interest.

Applicant webinar

Answers to the most common questions asked during the webinar are available in the FAQ document: 

Further information

Further information about the scheme and application process is available on the UKRI Funding finder.

For questions related to this funding opportunity please contact humandiseasemodels@mrc.ukri.org and include ‘Human Disease Models’ in the subject line.