# Exploration Call 2027-1

**Funder:** KWF
**Deadline:** 3 November 2026 (Pre-proposal deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 noon. Full proposal deadline: 13 April 2027, 12:00 noon.)
**Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (opens 1 Sep 2026, closes 3 Nov 2026) → full proposal (opens 15 Feb 2027, closes 13 Apr 2027); consortium interviews June 2027; funding decision August 2027
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** NL
**Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/exploration
**Last verified:** 1 July 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds fundamental (Basic Research phase 1) and credentialing (phase 2) cancer research, covering biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Applicants must submit via KWF GMS; unregistered institutes must register ≥6 weeks before closing. This is KWF's final project-based Exploration Call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding.

## Summary

The KWF Exploration Call 2027-1 funds fundamental and credentialing cancer research, including psychosocial mechanisms, at Dutch institutions through a two-stage application process. This is KWF's final project-based exploration call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding, making this a last opportunity under the current scheme.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at Dutch academic or hospital institutions conducting fundamental cancer research
- Teams proposing Basic Research Phase 1 (hypothesis-driven) or Phase 2 (credentialing) projects
- Consortium proposals with multiple participating institutes
- Projects investigating cancer biology, including psychosocial mechanisms

## Key dates

- Pre-proposal deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 noon (opens 1 September 2026)
- Full proposal deadline: 13 April 2027, 12:00 noon (opens 15 February 2027)
- Consortium interviews mid-June 2027; funding decision August 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Register your institution in KWF GMS at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline (by mid-September 2026) if not already participating.
- This is KWF's final project-based Exploration Call; from 2028 the funder shifts to Research Group Funding, so plan accordingly if you anticipate future KWF applications.
- Psychosocial research is explicitly in scope, if your cancer project touches behavioural, psychological, or social dimensions, make this clear in the pre-proposal framing.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the deadline for the KWF Exploration Call 2027-1?

Pre-proposal deadline is 3 November 2026 at 12:00 noon; full proposals are due 13 April 2027 at 12:00 noon.

### What types of cancer research are eligible for KWF Exploration Call 2027-1?

Fundamental (Basic Research Phase 1) and credentialing (Phase 2) cancer research, including psychosocial mechanisms.

### Is this the last KWF Exploration Call?

Yes, this is KWF's final project-based exploration call; from 2028 KWF transitions to Research Group Funding.

### Where must KWF Exploration Call 2027-1 applicants be based?

Participating institutions must be based in the Netherlands and registered in the KWF GMS system.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/kwf-exploration-call-2027-1-2026-11) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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