Cancer Research UK
Discovery Programme Foundation Award
Outline application deadline
Last updated:
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 - sole lead applicant expected, though joint lead applicants may be considered if at similar career stage |
| Application | 2-stage: outline application → full application → interview |
| Frequency | Biannual |
| Next round | 2027-01 |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
For mid-career scientists, clinicians or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institution, funding a broad programme addressing fundamental cancer biology questions. Requires informal discussion with CRUK before applying; excludes clinical trials, drug discovery-only, and early detection/prevention research.
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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