Wellcome Call for Applications: Genomics in Context Awards- collaborative research at the intersection of genomics, humanities, social sciences and bioethics

Research collaborations could potentially fall across three broad areas:

1. Exploring new or emerging areas in genomics and its contexts or the application of novel technologies 

This might include but is not limited to: 

• responsibly harnessing and developing large datasets and technologies such as AI in genomics
• advancing synthetic genomics through wider disciplinary and stakeholder engagement
• exploring new dimensions of genomics-based precision medicine 
• broadening nascent interdisciplinary fields like the biomolecular humanities

2. Opening up existing areas of genomics and its contexts or taking them in new directions through the integration of novel approaches and perspectives 

This might include but is not limited to: 

• expanding the intersection of particular disciplines, for example between anthropology and genomics, paleogenomics and history, philosophy and genomics, or between genomics and sociology
• broadening health-related food systems research through wider engagement with genomics research
• expanding pathogen genome surveillance through wider social science engagement
• exploring longitudinal datasets that combine genomic and social data in innovative ways 
• expanding research to explore the relationship between health inequalities and genomics
• exploring how the integration of genomics may transform health systems and population health strategies, drawing on new disciplinary perspectives 

3. Exploring how research is done in genomics, which could be applicable across different fields, practices, sectors and geographies 

This might include but is not limited to: 

• Indigenous-led genomics projects that drive and benefit from current knowledge generation in genomics
• community-driven research agendas in genomics more broadly
• new partnerships between bioethicists, genomics researchers and wider stakeholders
• next generation clinicians that integrate perspectives across disciplines and stakeholders
• economic dimensions of genomics research, for example how genomics could reshape models of health decision-making for government and citizens
• exploring how historical contexts, cultural perceptions and power dynamics act as drivers of genomic data diversity

Lead Applicant career stage: Early-career researcher, mid-career researcher, established researcher.

Co-applicants required. 

Funding details:

• duration: 12-24 months
• amount: Up to £500,000 for each award

Read more here. 

Application deadline, 16th of March 2026.