# CRI Clinical Innovator

**Funder:** Cancer Research Institute
**Budget:** $1M
**Deadline:** 1 December 2026 (Protocol Concept Deadline)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: Protocol Concept → full application
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearch.org/clinical-innovator
**Last updated:** 16 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports pioneering immunotherapy clinical trials designed and led by academic researchers. Requires a clinical trial focus; applicants must be academic investigators leading immunotherapy trials.

## Summary

The CRI Clinical Innovator Grant funds pioneering immunotherapy clinical trials designed and led by academic researchers, with awards up to $1 million. This programme targets clinician-scientists and physician-researchers who are principal investigators on therapeutic immunology trials. The call runs annually with a two-stage process: protocol concepts compete in the first round, with selected teams advancing to full proposals.

## Who should apply

- Academic researchers leading immunotherapy clinical trials as principal investigator
- Clinician-scientists and physician-researchers with trial oversight authority
- Trials testing novel immunotherapy approaches in cancer patients
- Researchers at academic medical centers and research institutions

## Key dates

- Protocol Concept Deadline: 1 December 2026
- Two-stage evaluation: protocol concept submission followed by full proposal for selected teams
- Annual call cycle

## Tips for applicants

- Lead with trial novelty and unmet clinical need, CRI panels prioritize immunotherapy approaches with clear therapeutic potential over incremental modifications.
- Protocol concepts are scored partly on feasibility and team expertise; name your clinical collaborators and biostatistician early to strengthen implementation credibility.
- The full proposal stage is decisive; use the feedback from concept review to sharpen your trial design and anticipated immune endpoints.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the CRI Clinical Innovator Grant provide?

Awards up to $1 million to support pioneering immunotherapy clinical trials.

### Who can apply for the CRI Clinical Innovator Grant?

Academic researchers who are principal investigators on immunotherapy clinical trials, typically clinician-scientists and physician-researchers.

### What is the deadline for the CRI Clinical Innovator Grant?

The Protocol Concept Deadline is 1 December 2026; selected teams then submit full proposals in a second stage.

### Is the CRI Clinical Innovator Grant open to any disease area?

The grant focuses specifically on immunotherapy trials, with a cancer research focus through the Cancer Research Institute's mission.

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

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