The Wellcome Trust, which received £105,998,100 from taxpayers between 2020–24, has launched awards for “researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK”, I can reveal.
Information about the Wellcome Accelerator scheme, explains: “Researchers of Black, Bangladeshi and Pakistani heritage in the UK are currently underrepresented in research funding and experience higher rates of career attrition. The Accelerator Awards provide flexible funding for research or research-adjacent activities such as training, secondments, and networking.”
Successful applicants have their salary paid for and can receive up to £200,000 for project expenses over two years. Expenses include “animals” (“You can ask for funds to buy animals if they are essential to your project”), travel and subsistence, overseas allowances and inflation allowance.
To apply you must self-identify as the following (more criteria can be found on the Wellcome website):
Black heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Black African; Black Caribbean; Black Other; Mixed background (must include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds).
Bangladeshi heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Bangladeshi Other; Mixed background (must include Bangladeshi backgrounds).
Pakistani heritage background, including a mixed heritage background. For example, Pakistani Other; Mixed background (must include Pakistani backgrounds).
Any nationality is eligible.
You cannot apply for the scheme if “you do not self-identify as belonging to one of the heritage backgrounds outlined in the ‘Who can apply’ section above.”
Wellcome has made an information video for anyone wanting to apply. It features the following “Equity” specialists at Wellcome…
Dorothy Chisare, Equitable Funding Specialist
Diego Baptista, Head of Research and Funding Equity
Charlotte Spear, Equitable Funding Specialist
To find out more about this very “equitable” scheme, click here.
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