# Discovery Programme Foundation Award

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Up to £1.5m
**Deadline:** 29 September 2026 (Outline application deadline)
**Duration:** 6 years, or part-time equivalent
**Consortium:** No - sole lead applicant expected, though joint lead applicants may be considered if at similar career stage
**Application:** 2-stage: outline application → full application → interview
**Frequency:** Biannual
**Next round:** 2027-01
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/discovery-programme-foundation-award
**Last updated:** 13 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For mid-career scientists, clinicians or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institution, funding a broad programme addressing fundamental cancer biology questions. Requires informal discussion with CRUK before applying; excludes clinical trials, drug discovery-only, and early detection/prevention research.

## Summary

Cancer Research UK's Discovery Programme Foundation Award funds mid-career cancer researchers in the UK with up to £1.5 million over six years to pursue fundamental cancer biology investigations. The call targets independent researchers with established academic positions at universities, medical schools, hospitals, or recognised research institutions. This is a closed scheme requiring prior contact with Cancer Research UK; researchers must apply through an outline stage before full application and panel interview.

## Who should apply

- Mid-career researchers holding a salaried independent position at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or equivalent research institution
- Applicants funded by a UK Higher Education Funding Council, NHS, or equivalent body
- Cancer biology researchers (fundamental investigations; excludes clinical trials, drug discovery as sole function, and early detection/prevention)
- Researchers with a track record of independent grant funding and publication

## Key dates

- Outline application deadline 29 September 2026 (closed scheme, contact discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before)
- Two-stage process: outline application → shortlisted applicants invited to full application and Expert Review Panel interview
- Up to six years project duration (or part-time equivalent)

## Tips for applicants

- This is a closed scheme: you must contact discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before the deadline to discuss your outline before submission.
- The Expert Review Panel interview is decisive; practise defending the biological logic and feasibility of your approach with a multi-disciplinary audience.
- Emphasise the fundamental cancer biology scope: applications that blur into drug discovery pipelines, clinical trial design, or early-detection strategy score poorly.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much is the Cancer Research UK Discovery Programme Foundation Award?

Up to £1.5 million over six years (or part-time equivalent).

### Who is eligible for the Discovery Programme Foundation Award?

Mid-career researchers with a salaried independent position at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or equivalent research institution, funded by a Higher Education Funding Council, NHS, or equivalent body.

### Can I apply to the Discovery Programme Foundation Award if I work outside the UK?

No, the award is restricted to UK institutions; your position must be at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or recognised research institution.

### What type of cancer research does the Discovery Programme Fund?

Fundamental cancer biology research; the call excludes clinical trials, drug discovery as a sole function, early detection and prevention, and pure technology development.

### Is the Discovery Programme Foundation Award a closed or open scheme?

It is a closed scheme requiring prior contact with discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before the outline deadline.

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

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