MND Scotland: Ignite Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition

MND Scotland have recently launched their Ignite Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition, which aims to support researchers at a crucial stage in their career development by providing an opportunity to undertake a small-scale project related to motor neuron disease (MND). The competition will see up to five ECRs awarded £2,000 to carry out their proposed project, with one participant progressing to receive a further £10,000 to take the next steps in developing their idea.

Stage 1 applications are open until 31 October 2026.

Am I eligible?

Applicants must be UK-based (e.g. studying/working at a UK research institute, within a UK NHS health board, or company).

Applicants must be an ECR as defined by not holding a PhD at the time of application or being less than ten years post-PhD award at the time of application.

More information

More information is available here: MND Scotland launches Ignite ECR competition – MND Scotland

A guidance document for the competition can be found here: 2026-05-MND-Scotland-Ignite-guidance-doc.pdf

While the competition focuses on MND, they are keen to reach early career researchers from a wide range of disciplines, including biomedical sciences, neuroscience, engineering, allied health professions, clinical research, data science and healthcare.

The aim of Ignite is to encourage researchers to explore their own ideas, gain experience leading a project, and build confidence in developing an independent research career. MND Scotland hope it will also encourage more researchers from different disciplines to become involved in MND research.