# Young Investigator Grant **Funder:** KWF **Budget:** Up to €1M (+ up to ~€400k for major expenses in exceptional cases) **Deadline:** 6 October 2026 (Pre-proposal deadline 12:00 noon; full-proposal deadline 1 April 2027 12:00 noon) **Duration:** 4 years (suggested) **Consortium:** No **Application:** 2-stage: pre-proposal (due 6 Oct 2026) → full proposal (due 1 Apr 2027), followed by consortium interviews (June 2027) **Frequency:** Annual **Eligible countries:** NL **Official call:** https://www.kwf.nl/en/forresearchers/funding/young-investigator-grant-yig-call-2027 **Last verified:** 29 July 2026 ## Eligibility & scope For early-career oncology researchers within 5 years of PhD (extensions possible for clinical training or parental leave). Project leader must hold a PhD and be employed ≥0.5 FTE throughout. Covers all research phases from basic to implementation. Applicants must be affiliated with a KWF-registered institute (registration required ≥6 weeks before deadline). Proposals must be submitted exclusively to this call. ## Summary The KWF Young Investigator Grant offers up to €1 million over four years (plus exceptional top-ups for major costs) for early-career oncology researchers establishing independent labs in the Netherlands. The call targets researchers within five years of their PhD, with extensions possible for clinical training or parental leave. KWF runs this annually, with a two-stage process: pre-proposals due 6 October 2026, then full proposals and consortium interviews in spring/early summer 2027. ## Who should apply - Early-career oncology researchers within 5 years of PhD (extensions for clinical training or parental leave) - Researchers employed ≥0.5 FTE and affiliated with a KWF-registered institute - All research phases eligible: basic, translational, clinical, and implementation science - Researchers building independent research groups in the Netherlands ## Key dates - Pre-proposal deadline 6 October 2026 (12:00 noon CET); institution registration must be completed ≥6 weeks before this deadline - Full-proposal deadline 1 April 2027 (12:00 noon CET), followed by consortium interviews in June 2027 - Four-year project duration (suggested) ## Tips for applicants - Register your institute with KWF at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline; late registration blocks submission. - The pre-proposal stage is highly competitive, use the 5-page format to demonstrate feasibility and independence from your PhD supervisor, not just novelty. - Consortium interviews in June 2027 are decisive; ensure all named co-investigators are available and briefed on the full proposal. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much funding does the KWF Young Investigator Grant provide? Up to €1 million over four years, with exceptional additional funding of up to ~€400,000 available for major costs in justified cases. ### Who is eligible for the KWF Young Investigator Grant? Early-career oncology researchers within 5 years of their PhD (with possible extensions for clinical training or parental leave), employed at least 0.5 FTE and affiliated with a KWF-registered institute in the Netherlands. ### What is the pre-proposal deadline for the KWF Young Investigator Grant? 6 October 2026 at 12:00 noon CET. Institution registration must be completed at least 6 weeks in advance. ### Is the KWF Young Investigator Grant a two-stage process? Yes: pre-proposals are due 6 October 2026, shortlisted applicants submit full proposals by 1 April 2027, and finalists participate in consortium interviews in June 2027. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/kwf-young-investigator-grant-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).