Medical Research Council (MRC)

The Medical Research Council (MRC) improves the health of people in the UK - and around the world - by supporting excellent science, and training the very best scientists. The MRC is part of UK Research and Innovation.

Based on priorities set out in our Strategic plan, and the ideas submitted to us by the nation’s leading biomedical research teams, we invest in research on behalf of the UK tax payer. Our research has resulted in life-changing discoveries for over a hundred years. Scientists apply to the MRC for support, with their applications selected for funding after review by panels of independent experts. This process ensures MRC supports internationally-competitive research operating to the highest ethical standards.

The MRC’s mission is to:

encourage and support research to improve human health
produce skilled researchers
advance and disseminate knowledge and technology to improve the quality of life and economic competitiveness of the UK
promote dialogue with the public about medical research.
 

Our work spans laboratory research, for example on genes, molecules and cells, the development of new treatments, for example vaccines and drugs, through to research with people, such as clinical trials and population studies. Our science is split into six broad areas of research: infections and immunity, molecular and cellular medicine, neurosciences and mental health, population and systems medicine, global health and translational research.

Our research is carried out in universities, hospitals and a network of dedicated establishments across the UK and Africa, and supports both cutting-edge science and technology and the training of the next generation of researchers.