The Wellcome Trust has announced an exciting new funding opportunity for 2026, inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from research teams across the UK. This initiative focuses on evaluating the mental health impact of online technology restrictions, particularly social media use among children and young people.
With increasing global concern about the effects of digital platforms on youth well-being, this funding call aims to generate high-quality, policy-relevant evidence that can shape future government decisions.
📌 Overview of the Opportunity
- Application Deadline: 27 April 2026 (17:00 BST)
- Location Requirement: UK-based lead applicant
- Start Date: October 2026 (expected)
- Funding Duration: Minimum 1 year
- Application Type: Expression of Interest (2 pages, no budget required)
Applicants will be notified about the outcome by 30 May 2026, and shortlisted teams will be invited to submit a full proposal.
🧠 Background & Purpose
The UK Government is currently consulting on implementing age-based restrictions on social media and digital technology for young users.
In response, the Wellcome Trust is funding research to:
- Evaluate how these restrictions affect mental health outcomes
- Understand impacts on anxiety, depression, and related conditions
- Provide evidence to support data-driven policymaking
This initiative is part of Wellcome’s broader mission to improve early interventions in mental health through scientific and interdisciplinary research.
🔍 What Kind of Research Teams Are Needed?
Wellcome is looking for multidisciplinary teams capable of delivering rapid and rigorous evaluations. Priority will be given to teams that already have:
1. 📊 Access to Existing Data & Populations
- Longitudinal datasets
- School or community networks
- Youth cohorts or population panels
- Ability to collect baseline data before policy implementation
Special attention is encouraged for vulnerable populations such as:
- Low-income groups
- LGBTQ+ youth
- Rural communities
- Migrant populations
2. 💡 Expertise in Youth Mental Health & Digital Behavior
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Strong background in adolescent mental health
- Understanding of digital behaviors beyond screen time
- Ability to assess features like algorithms, engagement patterns, and content exposure
3. ⚙️ Strong Evaluation & Research Design Skills
Teams should be capable of:
- Conducting real-world policy evaluations
- Using methods like:
- Natural experiments
- Quasi-experimental designs
- Time-sensitive data collection
4. 🔐 Ethics, Safeguarding & Data Governance
Applicants must ensure:
- Ethical approval processes
- Consent/assent for under-16 participants
- Privacy-preserving data collection
- Secure collaboration with schools and institutions
5. 🤝 Collaboration & Cohort Participation
Selected teams will:
- Work as part of a UK-wide research consortium
- Align with shared frameworks and datasets
- Contribute to a coordinated national evaluation effort
👩🔬 Who Can Apply?
✅ Lead Applicant:
- Must be based in the UK
- Must hold a long-term or permanent contract
🌍 Co-applicants:
- Can be from any country (except mainland China)
- Must have institutional support
🏢 Eligible Institutions:
- Universities
- Research institutes
- Healthcare organizations
- NGOs
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📄 What to Submit?
Applicants must submit a 2-page Expression of Interest (EOI) including:
📌 Key Sections:
- Access to Data & Populations
- Expertise & Capability
- Ethics & Governance Framework
- Risks & Mitigation Strategies
- Team Details (Lead, Co-applicants, Collaborators)
📧 Submission Email: activeingredients@wellcome.org
📌 Subject Line: EOI: online technology restrictions evaluation
⏳ Important Dates
- Scope Check Deadline (Optional): 13 April 2026
- EOI Submission Deadline: 27 April 2026
- Result Notification: 30 May 2026
- Project Start: October 2026
🚀 Why This Opportunity Matters
This funding call comes at a critical time when debates around social media regulation and youth mental health are intensifying worldwide. The selected research will directly contribute to:
- National policy decisions in the UK
- Evidence-based digital regulations
- Improved mental health interventions for young people
For researchers in psychology, public health, data science, education, and digital media, this is a rare chance to influence policy at a national level while conducting impactful research.
📢 Final Thoughts
If you are a researcher with access to youth data and expertise in digital behavior or mental health, this opportunity by the Wellcome Trust is not to be missed.
Prepare a strong Expression of Interest highlighting your data access, methodology, and real-world impact potential—and become part of a groundbreaking effort shaping the future of digital policy and youth well-being.
Helen Oesha holds a Doctorate in Entrepreneurship and is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment through education. Since 2021, she has been guiding students toward scholarships and international opportunities, making higher education more accessible worldwide. Oesha platform is widely regarded as a leading source for discovering global opportunities. Having personally experienced the challenges and success of funded doctoral studies, she is passionate about bridging the gap between ambition and access, helping students realize their dreams and reach their highest potential.