# Clinical Innovator

**Funder:** Cancer Research Institute
**Budget:** Up to $1M per trial
**Deadline:** 1 December 2026 (Protocol Concept deadline; Invited Full Proposal deadline 1 April 2027)
**Consortium:** No - single Principal Investigator applies, though co-PIs permitted
**Application:** 2-stage: Initial Protocol Concept → invited Full Proposal (with protocol)
**TRL:** 7-9
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearch.org/clinical-innovator
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds investigator-initiated phase I/II or II immunotherapy clinical trials emphasizing novel approaches, mechanistic investigation of clinical response, and predictive biomarker discovery/validation. PI must lead the study; research may be conducted at non-profit medical schools or research centers in the US or abroad (no support for for-profit institutions). Includes a co-funded chordoma-focused track with Chordoma Foundation.

## Summary

The Cancer Research Institute Clinical Innovator grant funds investigator-initiated phase I/II or phase II immunotherapy clinical trials led by academic researchers, offering up to $1 million per trial. The call is open to PIs at medical schools and research centers worldwide (excluding for-profit institutions), with emphasis on novel immunotherapy approaches, mechanistic insights, and biomarker discovery. This is a two-stage call with a protocol concept deadline in December 2026 and invited full proposals due April 2027; CRI runs it annually.

## Who should apply

- Academic PI with clinical trial leadership experience or co-leadership from a clinical collaborator
- Researchers at medical schools, hospitals, or non-profit research centers globally
- Investigators proposing novel immunotherapy approaches with mechanistic or biomarker innovation
- Teams ready to advance from preclinical or early clinical data to a phase I/II or phase II trial

## Key dates

- Protocol Concept deadline: Tuesday, 1 December 2026
- Invited Full Proposal deadline: Wednesday, 9 April 2027, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- Two-stage evaluation: concept screening, then full review of invited proposals

## Tips for applicants

- The concept stage filters for novelty and mechanism, emphasise what is new about the immunotherapy and why the biomarker or mechanism matters to the field.
- CRI co-funds chordoma-focused proposals with the Chordoma Foundation; if your trial touches chordoma, highlight the link early.
- Budget realism is critical for phase I/II trials; include realistic recruitment timelines and stopping rules; vague timelines sink concepts at triage.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Cancer Research Institute Clinical Innovator grant pay?

Up to $1 million per trial, plus up to 10% indirect costs.

### Who is eligible for the Clinical Innovator grant?

Academic PIs at medical schools, hospitals, or non-profit research centres globally, proposing investigator-initiated phase I/II or phase II immunotherapy trials.

### What is the timeline for the Clinical Innovator grant?

Two-stage: Protocol Concept due 1 December 2026, invited Full Proposals due 9 April 2027.

### Does the Clinical Innovator grant require a consortium?

No, but co-investigators from clinical and translational disciplines are encouraged for mechanism and biomarker validation.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-institute-clinical-innovator-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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