Early Origins of Health and Disease - Emerging Leaders Prize

The Medical Research Foundation is inviting applications from UK based researchers who are making significant contributions to research on the Early Origins of Health and Disease to apply for the 2026 Emerging Leaders Prize.

This prize is intended to celebrate the achievements of outstanding UK researchers who are making a contribution to Early Origins of Health and Disease research, and who have demonstrated their potential to be a research leader of the future. 

Applications within the broad field of early origins of health and disease research are welcomed. Applicants may have conducted research that is developing knowledge related to (but not limited to) the following areas:

• Parental preconception health and its influence on child outcomes
• The impact of pregnancy, perinatal health and the in utero environment on child development
• The relationship between health and nutrition in the early years and later disease risk

They particularly encourage applications from eligible researchers working to improve understanding of the underlying mechanisms and impact of inequalities and poverty on early development and health outcomes. However, applications including research on any areas of early origins of health and disease will be considered.

Up to £200,000 is available to recognise and celebrate the work of emerging UK research leaders who have made significant contributions to Early Origins of Health and Disease research.

A top prize of £100,000 will be awarded and smaller prizes of various amounts for second place and highly commended candidates.

Full details
Deadline for submission: 12:00 Thursday 16 April 2026

Please note that the Medical Research Foundation research team are very happy to hear from potential applicants who have questions or would like to discuss the remit or their eligibility. Please feel free to email: kristi.priestley@medicalresearchfoundation.org.uk