# Exploration Call

**Funder:** KWF
**Deadline:** 3 November 2026 (12:00 noon; full proposal deadline 13 April 2027)
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (closes 3 Nov 2026) → full proposal (closes 13 Apr 2027)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/exploration
**Last updated:** 6 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds basic research and credentialing-phase research into biological and psychosocial mechanisms of cancer, including target/biomarker discovery and observational/cohort studies. Two-stage process: pre-proposal then full proposal by invitation; participating institutes must register in KWF-GMS at least 6 weeks before closing.

## Summary

The KWF Exploration Call funds basic and credentialing research into cancer biology and psychosocial mechanisms (onset, progression, impact) at Dutch institutes, with a 2-stage review process. This is KWF's final project-based Exploration call, combining fundamental and applied approaches. Researchers working on novel mechanisms in oncology should pre-register their institute by mid-September 2026 to meet the pre-proposal deadline.

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at Dutch academic, hospital, or research institutes registered with KWF-GMS
- Scientists investigating cancer onset, progression, and psychosocial impact
- Applicants with novel research questions in basic or credentialing cancer research
- Consortia (multi-institute proposals are supported in this call)

## Key dates

- Pre-proposal deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 noon CET (pre-proposal opens 1 September 2026)
- Full proposal deadline: 13 April 2027, 12:00 noon CET (opens 15 February 2027); consortium interviews June 2027; funding decision August 2027
- This is KWF's final project-based Exploration call

## Tips for applicants

- Register your institute in KWF-GMS at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline (by mid-September 2026), late registration can block submission.
- Proposals submitted under the wrong research phase are rejected at eligibility check; verify your work fits 'basic or credentialing' scope before drafting.
- Consortium proposals receive dedicated interview slots; clarify roles and milestones for multi-institute partners upfront.

## Frequently asked questions

### What research areas does the KWF Exploration Call fund?

Basic and credentialing research into biological and psychosocial mechanisms of cancer onset, progression, and impact. Novel mechanistic insights are prioritised.

### Is the KWF Exploration Call open after 2027?

No, the 2027-1 call is KWF's final project-based Exploration call; this funding scheme is being discontinued.

### Can researchers outside the Netherlands apply to the KWF Exploration Call?

No, the call is restricted to researchers at Dutch institutes.

### What is the pre-proposal stage for the KWF Exploration Call?

The pre-proposal stage opens 1 September 2026 and closes 3 November 2026 at noon, followed by a full proposal stage for invited applicants opening 15 February 2027.

### Do I need to register my institute before applying?

Yes, if your institute is not yet registered in KWF-GMS, you must request access at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline (by mid-September 2026).

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/kwf-exploration-call-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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