# Drug Discovery Partnership Awards

**Funder:** The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research
**TRL:** 3-6
**Official call:** https://themarkfoundation.org/research-programs/
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Accelerates conversion of promising scientific discoveries into cancer therapeutics. Translational/drug discovery focus. Open to investigators at academic institutions globally. No explicit eligibility restrictions stated.

## Summary

The Drug Discovery Partnership Awards fund translational research and drug discovery projects to accelerate the conversion of scientific discoveries into cancer therapeutics. The awards support investigators at academic institutions globally, with a focus on projects at TRL 3-6 (from proof-of-concept through early-stage development). This is The Mark Foundation's signature mechanism for bridging bench science and clinical application.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at academic institutions globally
- Projects bridging fundamental discovery and therapeutic development (TRL 3-6)
- Investigators with strong preliminary data demonstrating translational promise
- Multidisciplinary teams spanning chemistry, biology, and preclinical validation

## Key dates

- Check The Mark Foundation website for the current deadline and application cycle

## Tips for applicants

- Emphasise the translational trajectory from your preliminary data to drug candidate; The Mark Foundation prioritises de-risking on the path to IND or equivalent.
- Include clear go/no-go milestones tied to TRL progression; the Foundation values evidence of project management discipline.
- Letters of support from synthetic chemists or pharmaceutical partners strengthen the application if your team lacks deep medicinal chemistry expertise.

## Frequently asked questions

### Who can apply for The Mark Foundation Drug Discovery Partnership Award?

Investigators at academic institutions globally, with projects focused on converting cancer discoveries into therapeutics at TRL 3-6.

### What does the Drug Discovery Partnership Award fund?

Translational and drug discovery research aimed at accelerating the conversion of scientific discoveries into cancer therapeutics, from proof-of-concept through early-stage development.

### What is the TRL range for Drug Discovery Partnership Award projects?

Projects should sit at TRL 3-6, spanning from proof-of-concept (TRL 3) through early-stage preclinical or clinical development (TRL 6).

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/the-mark-foundation-for-cancer-research-drug-discovery-partnership-awards-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.