Cancer Research UK
Therapeutic Catalyst - Target Award
Further cut-offs 21 May 2027, 17 September 2027
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The Therapeutic Catalyst - Target Award from Cancer Research UK funds cancer target identification or validation work, using novel model systems, antibodies or small molecule approaches, with up to £250K over 12-18 months. It is open to academic researchers worldwide who run their own lab, and projects are developed collaboratively with Cancer Research Horizons' in-house drug discovery scientists. The call runs three times a year, with expression-of-interest applications accepted by invitation into full proposal only.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £250K |
| Deadline | 5 February 2027 |
| Duration | 12-18 months |
| Consortium | No - individual applicant, collaborative project run with Cancer Research Horizons' drug discovery team |
| Application | 2-stage: expression of interest → full proposal, by invitation only |
| Frequency | Three times per year |
Eligibility & scope
Funds cancer target identification or validation using novel model systems, antibody or small molecule approaches for adult cancers. Open to academic researchers worldwide with their own lab; projects run collaboratively with Cancer Research Horizons' drug discovery scientists.
Who Should Apply
- •Academic researchers who run their own lab, at any career stage stated as eligible
- •Institutions anywhere in the world, not limited to the UK
- •Projects focused on target identification or validation in adult cancers
- •Researchers using novel model systems, antibody or small molecule approaches
- •Applicants willing to collaborate directly with Cancer Research Horizons' drug discovery team
Key Dates
- •Next deadline 5 February 2027, with further cut-offs 21 May 2027 and 17 September 2027
- •Two-stage process: expression of interest, then full proposal by invitation only
- •Project duration 12-18 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Expression of interest is the gating step, only invited applicants proceed to full proposal, so frame the target rationale and novelty tightly at this stage.
- ✓Highlight how the project will draw on Cancer Research Horizons' drug discovery expertise, since projects are run collaboratively rather than independently.
- ✓With three cut-offs a year, if you miss one deadline the next is only a few months away, use the gap to strengthen model system or validation data.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Therapeutic Catalyst - Target Award pay?
Up to £250,000 for a project lasting 12-18 months.
Who is eligible for the Therapeutic Catalyst - Target Award?
Academic researchers worldwide who run their own lab and work on target identification or validation for adult cancers.
Is a consortium required for this award?
No, it's for individual applicants, though the project is run collaboratively with Cancer Research Horizons' drug discovery team.
How many times a year can I apply?
The call runs three times a year, with cut-offs on 5 February 2027, 21 May 2027 and 17 September 2027.
What is the application process for this award?
It's a two-stage process: an expression of interest followed by a full proposal, submitted only by invitation.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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