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.
Please be aware that calls being launched mid to late 2026 may be impacted by our move to a new grant management system. We will ensure that any potential changes required are published as soon as possible.
| Name of call | Call description | Open status | Closing date | Duration | Costs |
| AMS Starter Grants for Clinical Lecturers Round 36 | These grants provide up to £40,000 over 1-2 years for research costs, to support Clinical Lecturers who are looking to develop and strengthen their research careers. | Open | 16:00 on Tuesday 1 September 2026 | 12 to 24 months | Up to £40,000 |
| Osteoarthritis Treatments Research Consortium | Bringing together expertise from across the UK to advance pharmacotherapeutic treatments. Call and Guidance Documents available. | Closed for notices of intent | 16:00 on Wednesday 23 September 2026 | Up to 60 months | Up to £3 million |
| Supporting Mental Health for People with Arthritis Research Consortium | Bringing together expertise from across the UK to support mental health for people with arthritis. Call and Guidance Documents available. | Closed for notices of intent | 16:00 on Wednesday 9 September 2026 | Up to 60 months | Up to £3 million |
| Translational Call 2027 | 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. | Outline applications open Wednesday 16 September 2026 | 16:00 Wednesday 28 October 2026 | Up to 24 months | Up to £250,000 |
Closed funding calls
| Name of call | Call description | Status | Closing date | Duration | Costs |
| 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. | Closed | 16:00 on Wednesday 8 July 2026 | Up to 24 months | Up to £150,000 |
| Living Well 2026 | We expect to invest around £2 million in projects which address unmet needs for people with arthritis. | Closed | 16:00 on Wednesday 24 June 2026 | Up to 36 months | Between £400,000 to £1,000,000 |
| 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. | Closed | 16:00 on Wednesday 3 June 2026 | Up to 60 months | Up to £750,000 |
| 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. | Closed | 16:00 on Wednesday 3 June 2026 | Up to 60 months | Between £100,000 to £1,200,000 |
| Research Facilitation Fund 2026 | We will invest around £0.5m in supporting resources that are hard to obtain and will facilitate impactful research. | Closed | 16:00 Wednesday 11 February 2026 | Up to 60 months | £50,000 - £250,000 |
Related information
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Applying for an award
Everything you need to apply for an Arthritis UK research award — eligibility criteria, application roles, eligible costs, PPIE requirements, and how applications are reviewed.
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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.