# Discovery Programme Awards

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Up to £2.5M
**Deadline:** 29 September 2026 (Outline application deadline)
**Duration:** 5 years
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: outline application → full application (with interview)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/discovery-programme-awards
**Last verified:** 19 April 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Open to scientists, clinicians or healthcare workers based in UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutions. Supports ambitious, long-term programmes in basic or early-stage translational cancer research. Applicants must hold a post fully funded by a national Higher Education Funding Council, NHS or equivalent; collaborative teams and multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged. Closed scheme — contact required before applying.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-discovery-programme-awards-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.