# Call 2026-3 / Exploration

**Funder:** KWF
**Deadline:** 1 September 2026 (Full proposals deadline; 12:00 noon)
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal → full proposal
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding
**Last updated:** 4 Jul 2026

> **Recently updated:** catalog cleanup 2026-07-04: duplicate row (canonical sibling kept)

## Eligibility & scope

Dedicated to basic research uncovering mechanisms driving cancer onset, growth, and spread. Intended for proposals within the Basic research and Credentialing phases. Aims to address knowledge gaps and identify new leads for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

## Summary

KWF Call 2026-3 / Exploration funds basic cancer research investigating mechanisms of onset, growth, and spread in the Netherlands. The call targets researchers in the basic research and credentialing phases working to identify new leads for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. KWF runs this call annually with a two-stage application process.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at Dutch academic or hospital institutions
- Early-to-mid career scientists in basic cancer research
- Projects addressing knowledge gaps in cancer mechanisms
- Proposals in the basic research or credentialing phase

## Key dates

- Full proposal deadline: 1 September 2026, 12:00 noon
- Two-stage evaluation: pre-proposal first, then full proposal
- Annual call

## Tips for applicants

- Pre-proposal stage is competitive; clearly articulate the knowledge gap and why closing it matters for prevention, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Focus on mechanism: reviewers prioritise projects uncovering *how* cancer arises and progresses, not just *that* it does.
- Credentialing-phase proposals benefit from early pilot data or preliminary results showing feasibility.

## Frequently asked questions

### What type of cancer research does KWF Call 2026-3 / Exploration fund?

It funds basic research uncovering the mechanisms driving cancer onset, growth, and spread, aiming to identify new leads for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

### Who can apply to KWF Call 2026-3 / Exploration?

Researchers based at Dutch academic or hospital institutions working on basic research or credentialing-phase cancer projects.

### What is the application timeline for KWF Call 2026-3 / Exploration?

The call operates in two stages: pre-proposal first, then a full proposal due by 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon.

### Is KWF Call 2026-3 / Exploration a recurring call?

Yes, KWF runs this exploration call annually.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/kwf-call-2026-3-exploration) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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