Cancer Research UK
Discovery Programme Foundation Award
Outline application deadline; full application and interview follow in subsequent rounds
Last verified:
Cancer Research UK's Discovery Programme Foundation Award funds mid-career cancer researchers in the UK with up to £1.5 million over six years to pursue fundamental cancer biology investigations. The call targets independent researchers with established academic positions at universities, medical schools, hospitals, or recognised research institutions. This is a closed scheme requiring prior contact with Cancer Research UK; researchers must apply through an outline stage before full application and panel interview.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £1.5m |
| Deadline | 29 September 2026 |
| Duration | 6 years (or part-time equivalent) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: outline application → full application + Expert Review Panel interview → Discovery Research Committee decision |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
For mid-career researchers at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutions, salaried via Higher Education Funding Council, NHS or equivalent (salary not fundable from award). Supports cancer biology programmes from molecular to whole-body scale; excludes clinical trials, sole drug discovery, early detection/prevention, and pure technology development. Closed scheme — pre-application contact required.
Who Should Apply
- •Mid-career researchers holding a salaried independent position at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or equivalent research institution
- •Applicants funded by a UK Higher Education Funding Council, NHS, or equivalent body
- •Cancer biology researchers (fundamental investigations; excludes clinical trials, drug discovery as sole function, and early detection/prevention)
- •Researchers with a track record of independent grant funding and publication
Key Dates
- •Outline application deadline 29 September 2026 (closed scheme, contact discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before)
- •Two-stage process: outline application → shortlisted applicants invited to full application and Expert Review Panel interview
- •Up to six years project duration (or part-time equivalent)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓This is a closed scheme: you must contact discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before the deadline to discuss your outline before submission.
- ✓The Expert Review Panel interview is decisive; practise defending the biological logic and feasibility of your approach with a multi-disciplinary audience.
- ✓Emphasise the fundamental cancer biology scope: applications that blur into drug discovery pipelines, clinical trial design, or early-detection strategy score poorly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Cancer Research UK Discovery Programme Foundation Award?
Up to £1.5 million over six years (or part-time equivalent).
Who is eligible for the Discovery Programme Foundation Award?
Mid-career researchers with a salaried independent position at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or equivalent research institution, funded by a Higher Education Funding Council, NHS, or equivalent body.
Can I apply to the Discovery Programme Foundation Award if I work outside the UK?
No, the award is restricted to UK institutions; your position must be at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or recognised research institution.
What type of cancer research does the Discovery Programme Fund?
Fundamental cancer biology research; the call excludes clinical trials, drug discovery as a sole function, early detection and prevention, and pure technology development.
Is the Discovery Programme Foundation Award a closed or open scheme?
It is a closed scheme requiring prior contact with discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before the outline deadline.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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