KWF
Exploration Call
12:00 noon; Pre-proposal deadline
Last seen in a scan/import: .
Catalog updated: .
These timestamps are not source verification. Confirm the current deadline and your eligibility on the funder’s call page before applying.
The KWF Exploration Call funds basic and credentialing research into cancer biology and psychosocial mechanisms (onset, progression, impact) at Dutch institutes, with a 2-stage review process. This is KWF's final project-based Exploration call, combining fundamental and applied approaches. Researchers working on novel mechanisms in oncology should pre-register their institute by mid-September 2026 to meet the pre-proposal deadline.
Details
| Funder | KWF |
| Deadline | 3 November 2026 |
| Consortium | Optional — collaboration with research partners and project team members described in proposal; parties registered in GMS |
| Application | 2-stage: pre-proposal (closes 3 Nov 2026) → full proposal (opens 15 Feb 2027, closes 13 Apr 2027) → consortium interviews June 2027 → funding decision August 2027 |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | NL |
Eligibility & scope
Funds basic research and credentialing-phase research into the biological or psychosocial mechanisms of cancer onset, growth, spread and impact. Two-stage process via pre-proposal and full proposal submitted through KWF-GMS; registered participating institutes required 6 weeks before closing.
Who Should Apply
- •Researchers based at Dutch academic, hospital, or research institutes registered with KWF-GMS
- •Scientists investigating cancer onset, progression, and psychosocial impact
- •Applicants with novel research questions in basic or credentialing cancer research
- •Consortia (multi-institute proposals are supported in this call)
Key Dates
- •Pre-proposal deadline: 3 November 2026, 12:00 noon CET (pre-proposal opens 1 September 2026)
- •Full proposal deadline: 13 April 2027, 12:00 noon CET (opens 15 February 2027); consortium interviews June 2027; funding decision August 2027
- •This is KWF's final project-based Exploration call
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Register your institute in KWF-GMS at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline (by mid-September 2026), late registration can block submission.
- ✓Proposals submitted under the wrong research phase are rejected at eligibility check; verify your work fits 'basic or credentialing' scope before drafting.
- ✓Consortium proposals receive dedicated interview slots; clarify roles and milestones for multi-institute partners upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What research areas does the KWF Exploration Call fund?
Basic and credentialing research into biological and psychosocial mechanisms of cancer onset, progression, and impact. Novel mechanistic insights are prioritised.
Is the KWF Exploration Call open after 2027?
No, the 2027-1 call is KWF's final project-based Exploration call; this funding scheme is being discontinued.
Can researchers outside the Netherlands apply to the KWF Exploration Call?
No, the call is restricted to researchers at Dutch institutes.
What is the pre-proposal stage for the KWF Exploration Call?
The pre-proposal stage opens 1 September 2026 and closes 3 November 2026 at noon, followed by a full proposal stage for invited applicants opening 15 February 2027.
Do I need to register my institute before applying?
Yes, if your institute is not yet registered in KWF-GMS, you must request access at least 6 weeks before the pre-proposal deadline (by mid-September 2026).
Related on Grantsby
- 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.
Similar grants
Health Research Call
la Caixa FoundationDeadline: 18 Nov 2026Up to €500,000 for individual projects; up to €1,000,000 for research consortium projectsResearch Grant
Nordic Cancer UnionKlinische Forschung & kliniknahe Grundlagenforschung
Deutsche KrebshilfeAspire Award
The Mark Foundation for Cancer ResearchUp to $250k (ASPIRE I, up to $500k for clinical studies) or up to $750k (ASPIRE II)Biology to Prevention Award
Cancer Research UKDeadline: 4 Dec 2026£100k–£600k
Browse Related
Could Exploration Call be right for you?
Closes in 9 days. See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →