Open and future funding calls
We are the largest dedicated funder of arthritis research in the UK. We fund all stages of research — from discovery science to better understand the mechanisms and causes of arthritis, to health and social care research.
Here, you will find all our currently open and future funding calls. Join us as we accelerate the pace and precision of arthritis research.
| Name of call | Call description | Open status | Closing date | Duration | Costs | Link for more info |
|
Translational Call 2026 |
We will invest around £1 million in Translational MSK research. Our Translational funding scheme aims to progress the development of novel, innovative technologies towards clinical development for the benefit of people with arthritis. |
Open |
October 2025 (outlines) |
Up to 24 months |
Up to £250,000 |
|
|
Bridging Fellowship 2026 Round 1 |
Up to 2 years of funding for current Arthritis UK fellowship holders who are in the final year of their fellowship. |
Launching 22 October 2025 |
Expected 14 January 2026 |
Up to 24 months |
Up to £150,000 |
|
|
Research Facilitation Fund 2026 |
We will invest around £0.5m in supporting resources that are hard to obtain and will facilitate impactful research. |
Launching November 2025 |
16:00 Wednesday 11 February 2026 |
Up to 60 months |
£50,000 -£250,000 |
|
|
Career Development Fellowship 2027 |
Our enhanced Career Development Fellowship aims to attract and retain talented researchers committed to a career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. |
Launching early 2026 |
Expected May 2026 |
Up to 60 months |
Up to £750,000 |
More info to follow |
|
Early Detection and Targeted Treatments 2026 |
We expect to invest around £3 million in projects which aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. |
Launching early 2026 |
Expected May 2026 |
Up to 60 months |
Expected between £100,000 to £1,200,000 |
More info to follow |
|
Living Well 2026 |
We expect to invest around £2 million in projects which address unmet needs for people with arthritis. |
Launching early 2026 |
Expected May 2026 |
Up to 36 months |
Expected between £400,000 to £1,000,000 |
More info to follow |
|
Research Consortium 5 |
We will invest around £3 million in a second osteoarthritis consortium bringing together expertise from across the UK. |
Launching early 2026 |
Expected June 2026 |
Up to 60 months |
Up to £3 million |
More info to follow |
|
Research Consortium 6 |
We will invest around £3 million in a new consortium bringing together expertise from across the UK - the area is under development. |
Launching early 2026 |
Expected June 2026 |
Up to 60 months |
Up to £3 million |
More info to follow |
|
Bridging Fellowship 2026 Round 2 |
Up to 2 years of funding for current Arthritis UK fellowship holders who are in the final year of their fellowship. |
Launching spring 2026 |
Expected July 2026 |
Up to 24 months |
Up to £150,000 |
More info to follow |
Closed funding calls
| Name of call | Call description | Status | Closing date | Duration | Costs | Link for more info |
| Osteoarthritis Research Consortium 2025 | We will invest in a new consortium bringing together expertise from across the UK to further our understanding of osteoarthritis. | Closed | 16:00 Wednesday 25 June 2025 | Up to 60 months | Up to £3 million | Click for more info |
| Inflammatory Arthritis Research Consortium 2025 Round 2 | We will invest in a new consortium bringing together expertise from across the UK to further our understanding of inflammatory arthritis. | Closed | 16:00 Wednesday 25 June 2025 | Up to 60 months | Up to £3 million | Click for more info |
| Career Development Fellowships 2026 | Our enhanced Career Development Fellowship aims to attract and retain talented researchers committed to a career in any discipline relevant to arthritis and related musculoskeletal diseases. | Closed | 16:00 Wednesday 21 May 2025 | Up to 60 months | £750,000 | Click for more info |
| Early Detection and Targeted Treatments 2025 Round 2 | We will invest around £3 million in projects which aim to improve the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. | Closed | 16:00 Wednesday 14 May 2025 | Up to 60 months | Between £100,000 to £1,200,000 | Click for more info |
| AMS Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers Round 33 | These grants provide up to £30,000 over 1-2 years for research costs, to support Clinical Lecturers who are looking to develop and strengthen their research careers. | Closed | 16:00 Wednesday 5 March 2025 | 12 to 24 months | Up to £30,000 | Click for more info |
Related information
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Applying for an award
Find all the useful information you’ll need to help you with your application.
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Applying for a fellowship
Key information on how to apply for a Arthritis UK fellowship award. Including eligibility criteria, choosing sponsors, mentorship, reapplying, interview guidance and eligibility to apply for a Global Talent visa. Start your application today.
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Researcher newsletter sign up
We have a quarterly newsletter for research professionals. Subscribe to receive upcoming strategic developments, the latest on our research funding calls and opportunities to get involved.