Joint Health Systems Research Initiative (Closed)

This scheme supports research based in low- and middle-income countries to improve health systems in those locations.

The scheme is jointly supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Wellcome Trust.

We’re changing our funding schemes

The way we fund research is changing to support our new strategy.

Scheme at a glance 

This scheme is now closed

Lead applicant career stage:
Administering organisation location:
Funding amount:

Approximately £4 million is available to fund five to ten research grants. Foundation grants are up to £200,000 each.

Funding duration:

Research grants normally last up to three years. Foundation grants last for 24 months.

Eligibility and suitability 

What we offer 

How to apply 

Key dates 

The Medical Research Council considers applications once a year.

Research grants

Closed to new applications

  1. Outline proposal deadline

    19 January 2021
  2. Invited full proposal deadline

    16 June 2021
  3. Panel meeting

    October 2021

Foundation grants

Closed to new applications

  1. Application deadline

    Date to be confirmed (this call has been temporarily suspended)
  2. Panel meeting

    Date to be confirmed.

Contact us 

If you have a question, contact the Medical Research Council:

HSRI@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk

Funding partners 

More information 

Find out about how we've worked with the funding community to develop principles and obligations setting out what we expect from those responsible for clinical training, trainees and funders across the UK.