# Ignite Award

**Funder:** Cancer Research Institute
**Budget:** $1.05M
**Deadline:** 1 February 2027
**Frequency:** Annual
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearch.org/ignite
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports the transition of distinguished postdoctoral researchers into independent tenure-track investigators.

## Summary

The Ignite Award from the Cancer Research Institute provides $1.05M to support distinguished postdoctoral researchers as they transition into independent tenure-track investigator positions. It's aimed at early-career scientists ready to launch their own labs, and the call runs annually.

## Who should apply

- Distinguished postdoctoral researchers nearing the end of their postdoc
- Candidates with a confirmed or pending tenure-track faculty position
- Researchers in cancer-relevant fields launching independent labs
- Applicants able to demonstrate a distinct research direction from their postdoc mentor

## Key dates

- Deadline: 1 February 2027
- Call runs annually

## Tips for applicants

- Emphasize distinction in your postdoctoral record, the call specifically targets standout candidates, not general postdoc eligibility.
- Frame the proposal around your transition to independence, showing a clear break from your mentor's research direction.
- Apply well before the annual deadline given the funder's focus on tenure-track timing and institutional offer letters.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Ignite Award pay?

The Ignite Award provides $1.05M in funding for the transition from postdoctoral research to an independent tenure-track position.

### Who is eligible for the Cancer Research Institute Ignite Award?

Distinguished postdoctoral researchers who are moving into an independent tenure-track investigator role are eligible to apply.

### When is the Ignite Award deadline?

The deadline is 1 February 2027, and the Cancer Research Institute runs this call annually.

### Is the Ignite Award only for cancer immunology?

The call is run by the Cancer Research Institute and targets researchers transitioning into independent cancer-focused labs.

---

Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-institute-ignite-award-2027-02) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

**See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).