MRC International subscriptions
The MRC represents the UK on the governing bodies of a number of international biomedical research organisations, and helps to fund them through subscriptions on behalf of the UK. This ensures that UK scientists have access to the funding opportunities, infrastructure and services provided by these organisations.
The MRC contributes a total of around £12 million per year to the organisations shown below, working with them to achieve the maximum return for the UK and international science.
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
- The European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) and European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO)
- Human Frontier Science Program
- European Science Foundation
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) carries out fundamental research and promotes co-operation between European countries in the field of molecular biology. It also provides essential services to scientists in EU member states, provides high-level training for staff, students and visitors, and develops new instruments for biological research.
The EMBL has a main laboratory in Heidelberg and four outstations at:
- Grenoble, France – the European synchrotron.
- Hamburg, Germany – facilities to study protein structures.
- Hinxton, UK – the European Bioinformatics Institute.
- Monterotondo, Italy – mouse genetics resources.
These EMBL facilities offer research opportunities for UK scientists. Further information is available on the EMBL website.
The European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) and European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO)
The European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) is a partnership of European member states established in 1969. It funds the European Molecular Biology Organisation's general programme, which includes visiting postdoctoral fellowships, short-term fellowships, workshops and short courses. Some EU member states are also involved in EMBO special projects, such as the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, E-biosci (a platform for electronic publication), and a young investigator award scheme.
EMBC funding opportunities
EMBC funding schemes open to UK researchers include long and short term felllowships and a young investigators programme.
For information on all funding schemes currently available, visit the EMBO website.
Apply now for EMBO event funding.
Human Frontier Science Program
The Human Frontier Science Program supports novel, innovative and interdisciplinary basic research focused on the complex mechanisms of living organisms. Topics range from molecular and cellular approaches to systems and cognitive neuroscience. A clear emphasis is placed on novel collaborations that bring biologists together with scientists from fields such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, computer science and engineering to focus on problems at the frontier of the life sciences.
HFSP Funding Opportunities
HFSP offers a range of grants and fellowship opportunities. Further details are available on their website.
European Science Foundation
The European Science Foundation (ESF) is an association of 70 member organisations supporting scientific research across all disciplines in 27 European countries, including research councils, academies and other scientific institutions. Its principal function is to co-ordinate co-operative research in Europe.
The MRC represents the UK on the ESF’s Standing Committee for European Medical Research Councils, and provides information on ESF activities within the UK and its funding opportunities for biomedical researchers. We also nominate UK scientific experts to take part in the development of ESF research funding programmes, including the EUROCORES schemes for national basic research funding bodies, Forward Look calls for proposals, and exploratory workshops.
ESF funding opportunities
The ESF provides a range of funding opportunities across all scientific disciplines for networks, exploratory workshops, conferences, and administration of collaborative funding schemes between member organisations. For more information on the schemes available, visit the ESF website.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) coordinates and conducts research on the causes of human cancer, the mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and develops scientific strategies for cancer control. The IARC is involved in both epidemiological and laboratory research, and disseminates scientific information through publications, meetings, courses, and fellowships.
IARC funding opportunities
The IARC funds cancer research through a variety of schemes, including postdoctoral and expertise transfer fellowships and an award for visiting senior scientists. For more information, visit the IARC’s website.
Contact: Kate Sheedy, International Strategy Officer
Telephone: 020 7395 2206
Email: kate.sheedy@headoffice.mrc.ac.uk