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Dutch Cancer Society (KWF)
KWF Exploration Call 2026-3
Pre-proposals close 31 Mar 2026. Full proposals Jun-Sep 2026. Consortium interviews Nov 2026. Decision Dec 2026. Basic research & credentialing phases.
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The KWF Exploration Call funds early-stage cancer research projects at TRL 1-3, with budgets ranging from €200,000 to €2.5 million over 2-5 years. Researchers can apply as individuals, multi-institutional consortia, or with a unique high-risk structure; the call runs 2-3 times per year, making it a frequent entry point for exploratory oncology work in the Netherlands and affiliated institutions.
Details
| Funder | Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) |
| Budget | Variable (Research Project, Consortium, Unique High-Risk) |
| Duration | 2-5 years |
| Consortium | Optional |
| Application | Pre-proposal → Full proposal (by invitation) → Consortium interview (if applicable) → Decision |
| TRL | 1-3 |
| Frequency | 2-3x per year |
| Next round | September 2026 |
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers at any career stage conducting basic or applied cancer research
- •Individual labs, multi-institutional consortia, or high-risk exploratory teams
- •Early-stage research projects (TRL 1-3) with proof-of-concept or foundational focus
- •Applicants based at Dutch academic, hospital, or designated research institutions
Key Dates
- •Pre-proposal deadline: 31 March 2026
- •Multi-stage: Pre-proposal → Full proposal (by invitation) → Consortium interview (if applicable) → Final decision December 2026
- •Project duration: 2-5 years
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Clarity at pre-proposal stage is critical; use the 5-10 page format to articulate the unmet need and why early-stage work is justified before competitors expand to a full proposal.
- ✓If you plan a consortium, name partners early and ensure letters of commitment are ready, consortium interviews carry weight in final ranking.
- ✓Frame high-risk proposals explicitly: acknowledge the leap, but show preliminary data or conceptual bridging that makes the risk justified, not reckless.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget range for the KWF Exploration Call?
Budgets range from €200,000 to €2.5 million depending on project scope and structure (individual project, consortium, or unique high-risk format).
How long is a KWF Exploration Call project?
Projects run for 2-5 years; duration is tailored to the research question and budget.
What is the pre-proposal deadline for KWF Exploration Call 2026-3?
Pre-proposals close 31 March 2026. Invited teams then submit full proposals, with consortium interviews and final decisions completing by December 2026.
Can I apply to KWF Exploration Call as a consortium?
Yes, consortia are optional; you can apply as an individual lab, a multi-institutional team, or as a high-risk exploratory group.
How often does the KWF Exploration Call open?
KWF runs this call 2-3 times per year, with the next expected round in September 2026.
Related on Grantsby
- Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) writing tips & FAQ
Evaluation criteria, proposal structure, common mistakes.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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