2026 Sanger Prize Competition

Job Description

Connect With Us

The Sanger Prize Competition is an international outreach initiative designed to support emerging scientists from low- and middle-income countries. The prize offers a fully funded three-month internship at the prestigious Wellcome Sanger Institute in Cambridge, UK—one of the world’s leading centres for genomic research.

This competition is ideal for students passionate about genetics, genomics, biological sciences, bioinformatics, and related fields. The Sanger Institute conducts high-impact research on some of the most challenging problems in genomics, providing a unique opportunity to learn, innovate, and contribute to cutting-edge science.

Programme Overview

• Type: Contest + Fully Funded Internship
• Location: Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, UK
• Duration: 3 Months
• Eligible Countries: Low- and Middle-Income Countries
• Benefits:
  • International airfare
  • UK accommodation
  • Visa costs
  • Living expenses
  • Meals
• Application Deadline: 9th January, 2026

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be from, and currently studying in, a low- or middle-income country
• Be enrolled in an undergraduate programme with a genomics component, such as:
  • Biological Sciences
  • Bioinformatics
  • Medicine
  • Veterinary Science
  • or related fields
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Applicants who have completed their undergraduate coursework but are awaiting graduation may also apply
• No English language proficiency certificate is required

What the Award Covers

The Sanger Prize Competition covers all major expenses, including:

• International flight
• Visa and processing costs
• Accommodation in the UK
• Living expenses
• Meals throughout the internship