Cancer Research UK
Therapeutic Catalyst – Target Award
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The Therapeutic Catalyst, Target Award funds cancer researchers to identify and validate novel drug targets using innovative model systems and analytical methods, offering up to £250k over 12-18 months. The call targets independent academic researchers worldwide and requires collaborative partnership with Cancer Research Horizons, the drug discovery arm of Cancer Research UK. Projects that are purely fundamental biology, gene-silencing-only work in commercial cell lines, or clinical-trial-enabling studies are explicitly out of scope.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £250k |
| Deadline | 25 September 2026 |
| Duration | 12–18 months |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: expression of interest → full proposal |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to academic researchers worldwide with an independent lab. Focused on cancer target identification or validation of novel cancer targets using novel model systems/analytical methods. Projects run collaboratively with Cancer Research Horizons. Not suitable for fundamental biology, gene-silencing-only approaches in commercial cell lines, or clinical-trial-enabling studies.
Who Should Apply
- •Independent academic researchers with an established lab
- •Cancer researchers focused on target identification or validation
- •Teams ready to collaborate with Cancer Research Horizons from proposal design onward
- •Projects employing novel model systems or analytical methods to de-risk target selection
Key Dates
- •Expression of interest deadline: 25 September 2026
- •Two-stage process: EOI followed by full proposal
- •Project duration: 12-18 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Engage Cancer Research Horizons early, they assess feasibility and de-risking, not just novelty; build the partnership into your EOI narrative.
- ✓Emphasise the target validation angle; this award rewards evidence of clinical relevance, not blue-sky biology.
- ✓Avoid gene-silencing-only designs in standard cell lines, the panel will screen these out; demonstrate technical innovation in your model system or readout.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the Therapeutic Catalyst, Target Award provide?
Up to £250,000 per project.
Who is eligible for the Therapeutic Catalyst, Target Award?
Academic researchers worldwide with an independent lab, working on cancer target identification or validation with novel model systems or analytical methods.
Is this a collaborative grant?
Yes, all projects must run collaboratively with Cancer Research Horizons, Cancer Research UK's drug discovery partner.
What research types are not eligible?
Fundamental biology, gene-silencing-only approaches in commercial cell lines, and clinical-trial-enabling studies are out of scope.
How long does the application process take?
It is a two-stage process: first an expression of interest, then a full proposal stage for shortlisted teams.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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