# Cri Ignite Award

**Funder:** Cancer Research Institute
**Budget:** $1.05M
**Deadline:** 11 January 2027 (Submission deadline was January 9, 2026 — past deadline; next cycle not yet announced)
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearch.org/ignite
**Last verified:** 12 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports the transition of distinguished postdoctoral researchers into independent tenure-track investigators in cancer immunotherapy. Aimed at researchers at the postdoc-to-faculty transition stage.

## Summary

The CRI Ignite Award provides up to $1.05 million to support distinguished postdoctoral researchers transitioning to tenure-track faculty positions in cancer immunotherapy. The award targets researchers at the postdoc-to-faculty stage, enabling them to establish independent research groups in a rapidly evolving field. CRI runs this programme annually.

## Who should apply

- Distinguished postdoctoral researchers approaching the transition to faculty
- Cancer immunotherapy researchers with a clear record of independent contribution
- Applicants positioned to establish new independent research groups
- Researchers committed to advancing immunological approaches to cancer

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (next cycle announcement pending; most recent deadline was 9 January 2026)

## Tips for applicants

- Frame your application around the transition narrative: highlight your postdoc contributions separately from your planned independent faculty research agenda.
- CRI prioritises immunotherapy innovation; anchor your proposed research in a clear mechanistic or clinical immunology question.
- Letters of support from your postdoc mentor and future faculty host institution carry significant weight in establishing feasibility and independence.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the CRI Ignite Award fund?

Up to $1.05 million per award.

### Who is eligible for the CRI Ignite Award?

Distinguished postdoctoral researchers in cancer immunotherapy at the transition stage to tenure-track faculty positions.

### Is the CRI Ignite Award annual?

Yes, CRI runs this programme annually, though the next deadline has not yet been announced.

### What research area does the CRI Ignite Award support?

Cancer immunotherapy research led by researchers establishing independent faculty labs.

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

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