The UK Medical Research Council: Navigating Funding Opportunities for Vaccine Researchers

In this online talk, Mariana will provide an update on current funding opportunities available through the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), building on her presentation at the VALIDATE Annual Meeting 2026. She will also outline recent changes to MRC funding processes and what these may mean for researchers preparing future applications. The session will give VALIDATE members practical insight into the current funding landscape, what MRC is looking for from applicants, and how vaccine researchers can identify suitable opportunities and position themselves as strongly as possible for future funding.

About the Speaker

Dr Mariana Delfino-Machίn is Programme Manager at the Medical Research Council (part of UK Research and Innovation), a major UK public funder, and covers the Vaccinology and Parasitology portfolios for the MRC. She has been part of the Infections and Immunity team for 4 years and has worked at MRC for 9 years. Prior to working for the funding agency, she trained as a scientist and worked in the UK, Spain, the USA and Costa Rica. She will be happy to answer questions regarding funding opportunities at MRC.