# Exploration Call 2026-3 (Research Project, Consortium, Unique High-Risk)

**Funder:** KWF
**Deadline:** 1 September 2026 (Full proposal closure: 1 September 2026, 12:00 noon. Pre-proposal closed 31 March 2026.)
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (closed 31 Mar 2026) → full proposal (deadline 1 Sep 2026)
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/exploration
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds fundamental (Basic) and Credentialing cancer research, including biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Open to Research Project, Consortium, and Unique High-Risk proposal types. Participating institutes must be registered in KWF GMS at least 6 weeks before closing. YIG proposals must be submitted under the separate 2026/YIG call.

## Summary

KWF Exploration Call 2026-3 funds fundamental and credentialing cancer research across biological mechanisms and psychosocial impacts, with support for Research Project, Consortium, and Unique High-Risk proposal types. The call is open to research teams at Dutch institutions registered in the KWF GMS system. This annual call emphasizes innovative, high-risk approaches to understanding cancer biology and its human dimensions.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Dutch academic or hospital institutions with cancer research focus
- Teams proposing fundamental (basic) or credentialing cancer research
- Consortia combining multiple institutions or unique high-risk single-investigator projects
- Applicants whose institutes are registered in KWF GMS at least 6 weeks before the deadline

## Key dates

- Full proposal deadline: 1 September 2026, 12:00 noon (pre-proposal stage closed 31 March 2026)
- Two-stage evaluation: pre-proposal shortlist followed by full proposal review
- Annual call frequency

## Tips for applicants

- Ensure your institute is registered in KWF GMS at least 6 weeks before 1 September 2026; late registration blocks submission.
- Unique High-Risk proposals are explicitly welcomed here, clearly articulate the innovation and risk mitigation, not just the ambition.
- For consortium bids, designate a single coordinating institute and confirm all partners' GMS registration status early.

## Frequently asked questions

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

The call funds fundamental (basic) and credentialing cancer research, including biological mechanisms of cancer onset and progression, and psychosocial impacts of cancer.

### What proposal types are eligible for KWF Exploration Call 2026-3?

Research Project, Consortium, and Unique High-Risk proposal types are all eligible. Young Investigator proposals must be submitted under the separate 2026/YIG call.

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

Research teams at Dutch institutions that are registered in the KWF GMS system at least 6 weeks before the deadline.

### What is the deadline for KWF Exploration Call 2026-3?

Full proposal closure is 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon; the pre-proposal stage closed on 31 March 2026.

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