The Government is providing £20m to establish the four CERSIs, with each funded for up to five years.

MHRA chief medical and scientific officer, Professor Jacob George, said: ‘These centres of excellence in regulatory science will bring together the right expertise from across the system to help us address emerging challenges in regulation, keep pace with advances in science and technology, and ultimately help patients benefit from new innovations more quickly and safely.

‘The programme also supports the UK's wider life sciences ambitions by helping to strengthen the expertise and partnerships needed to maintain the UK's position as a leading destination for scientific research, innovation and investment.'

Further information on the funding opportunity eligibility criteria, research themes, assessment criteria and funding arrangements is available on the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) website.

An applicant webinar will also be held on Tuesday 13 October from 10am to 11am, hosted by the MRC with participation from the MHRA.