Ignite Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition (motor neuron disease research | UK-based)

MND Scotland

The Ignite Early Career Researcher (ECR) Competition from MND Scotland aims to encourage early career researchers to embark on their own small-scale research project in the field of motor neuron disease (MND), helping to spark their careers in the field.

Applicants must be UK-based, for example studying or working at a UK research institute, within a UK NHS health board, or a company. Applicants must be early career researchers, defined as not holding a PhD at the time of application or being less than ten years post-PhD award.

Up to five initial winners each receive a prize of 2,000 GBP to carry out their proposed project, with projects to be completed within 9 months of the award. One final winner, selected from the initial prize winners, will be awarded an additional 10,000 GBP to continue their work over a further 12 months, plus 3 months to complete their final report.

Applications close on October 31, 2026.