About

BRIDGING SALARY SCHEME - YEAR 3

Following eight rounds in two pilot years, the MSD Bridging Salary Scheme has returned for year 3 with four rounds over the course of 2026.

This Scheme Guidance is being revised on a regular basis following queries or lessons arising from each round. Applicants are recommended to review the revised guidance carefully prior to submitting/resubmitting an application in case the guidance has changed since it was last accessed.

If the scheme as launched is found at any point to be unworkable or not to be capable of fulfilling its purpose, the Medical Sciences Division may withdraw the scheme and reconsider the best way of supporting its researchers.

Remit of the Scheme

The scheme aims to support early career researchers working in the Medical Sciences Division who are on externally-funded contracts by providing short-term bridging salary support.

budget & sources of funding

The budget for Year 3 is £500,000 which has been contributed from MSD internal sources and the Talent & Research Stabilisation Fund (TRSF). For more information on the funding sources, see FAQs.

Budget is expected to be allocated evenly across 4 rounds per year and make approximately 6 awards per round.

OUTCOMES OF PILOT YEARS 1 & 2

Across the eight rounds of Pilot Years 1 and 2 (deadlines in March/April, June, September and December 2024 and 2025) 101 researchers across MSD submitted 116 applications including resubmissions.

Four awards were made to Returning Carers (see Selection Process for more information). In total 60 awards were made across 13 of the 16 Departments in the Medical Sciences Division. The budget for Years 1 and 2 of £500,000 per year was fully allocated.