About

REVISED PILOT scheme - yEAR 2

The scheme has been revised following review of Pilot Year 1 which comprised four rounds across 2024. The scheme is now relaunched as Pilot Year 2 and will run for 12 months (four rounds) over the course of 2025. 

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 (before or after the end of Pilot Year 2) 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 2 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 YEAR 1

Across the four rounds of Pilot Year 1 (deadlines in March, June, September and December 2024) 58 researchers across MSD submitted 71 applications including resubmissions. 

Two awards were made to Returning Carers (see Selection Process for more information). A further 22 awards were made through randomised selection. Awards were made to applicants from 13 of the 16 Departments in the Medical Sciences Division. The budget for Year 1 of £500,000 was fully allocated.