The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Maternity Disparities Consortium (MDC) brings together a diverse range of organisations with expertise in research, capacity building and working with people and communities. It aims to deliver a step change in maternity outcomes, access to maternity services and experience of services and developing future research leaders in this area of need. The research carried out by the consortium will focus on inequalities before, during and after pregnancy.
The consortium has dedicated some of its capacity-development funding to provide Pre-Application Support. These awards are specifically designed to “level the playing field,” offering extra resources to those who need them to build a competitive application for an onward Career Development funding award. Every award is intended to equip individuals with the necessary skills, experience, and protected time to successfully transition to the next stage of their research career. A primary expectation is that the award holder will produce a high-quality fellowship funding application submitted to an identifiable external funder. Applications that do not name a specific target scheme from an identifiable funder will not be considered.
These awards offer funding towards salary costs (up to a max £30k) on a flexible WTE basis allowing individuals to buy out time from current responsibilities to enhance or prepare an application for career development funding. You must read the guidance and approach a capacity development lead before preparing and submitting an application.
Eligibility
- Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the subsequent career development award they intend to apply for following the pre-application support award.
- Applicants can be existing members of the consortium or be external to the consortium. However, the award must be held at an MDC member organisation. Applicants who are not currently based at an MDC member organisation, would need to be hosted at an MDC member organisation for the award.
- The applicant’s main supervisor must be from within the MDC, but additional supervisors can be either internal to the consortium or external depending on the needs of the project.
- Applicants research interests must align with MDC themes, and this must be discussed and agreed with the theme lead and/or capacity development lead.
- Applicants must have agreed how their current position will be covered and have support from their line manager/ supervisor.
- The funding is available for individuals at all career stages as long as there is a clear link to the MDC and they meet eligibility criteria as per first point.
- We particularly welcome applications from those working in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Submit your application and CV by Thursday 30 July 2026.
In line with our mission to tackle maternity inequalities, we particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and those working in underserved clinical or community settings. We want to ensure that the best research ideas, no matter where they come from, have the support they need to succeed.
If you have any questions regarding your eligibility or the application process, please reach out to ([email protected]).
Webinar
You can view our information webinar here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes These are separate schemes, and you can apply to both.
Applicants must be hosted by a Maternity Disparities Consortium (MDC) organisation, have a primary supervisor within the consortium, and ensure their project aligns with MDC research themes. The scheme is open across all four UK nations.
Potentially, yes. You must secure a host organisation and agree appropriate hosting arrangements before submitting your application.
Yes, but you must ensure your contract covers the award period or agree arrangements with your host organisation to extend beyond it if needed.
Possibly. You will need agreement with a host organisation, as the scheme does not provide full employment and is designed to support protected time rather than a full post.
Up to £30,000 over 12 months, with flexibility in how time is allocated.
Funding activity must be completed by 31 December 2027.
The funding provides protected time to develop a competitive career development award application (typically a fellowship), alongside training and mentorship.
Applicants should discuss this with both their employing and host organisations to agree arrangements and costings. The scheme offers flexibility, but a clear plan must be in place before submission.
This may be possible, subject to agreement with your host organisation; if you are currently working part-time and want to increase your hours, you would need to discuss, and agree this with your host organisation.
Projects must align with existing MDC themes, workstreams, core functions and research programmes.
This is allowed. Applicants should engage with theme leads or capacity development leads to identify the best fit.
You should contact theme leads or capacity development leads to discuss alignment. You can also email: [email protected]
Potentially, but this must align with MDC themes and be agreed with theme leads.
Not necessarily. NHS or other eligible MDC organisations can host you, provided appropriate supervision is in place. Details on member organisations can be found here Our partnerships and infrastructure – NIHR Maternal Disparities Consortium
The primary supervisor must be within the MDC, and arrangements should support future funding applications.
Yes, in principle. However, you should consider whether remote working provides sufficient support and aligns with your longer-term career plans. The host and supervisor must agree to this.
Yes. Capacity development leads can help identify suitable supervisors aligned with your research.
Applicants must discuss arrangements with their employing organisation, line manager, and finance officer. A clear agreement must be in place before submission.
The host organisation must approve the application, with sign-off from an authorised individual (or appropriate deputy).
. A career development award application, typically a fellowship.
The scheme supports applications to a range of career development awards, including but not limited to NIHR schemes.
Yes, but the primary aim is to support a career development award application.
Yes, including NIHR Doctoral Awards and similar schemes.
Yes, including charities or other funders, provided the award is appropriate for your career stage.
No. The primary output must be a career development award.
Yes, if clearly justified and beneficial to your future application.
12:00 noon on 30 July.
Updates will be shared via the MDC website, LinkedIn, and newsletter.
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