Experimental Medicine: Mechanisms of Gambling Disorder — Stage One

Supports academically led human studies testing causal biological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying gambling activities, products and interventions. Projects must test a mechanistic hypothesis through an experimental intervention or challenge in humans and remain independent of gambling-industry influence. Teams must incorporate diverse expertise and lived or learned experience of gambling harms. This is the open first-stage route. Applications close at 16:00 UK time.

Project leads must be based at an MRC-eligible UK research organisation and direct the work. New investigators at the transition to independence may apply with institutional support under additional funding-history rules. International organisations and ordinary business or third-sector partners cannot lead; approved independent research organisations may qualify. Team-based, research-led applications and conflict-of-interest management are required.