Exploration Call 2026-3

Full proposal closure: 1 September 2026, 12:00 noon. Pre-proposal closed 31 March 2026.

Last seen in a scan/import: 3 Jul 2026.

Catalog updated: 18 Jun 2026.

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The KWF Exploration Call 2026-3 funds fundamental and early-phase cancer research in the Netherlands, covering biological mechanisms of cancer onset and progression as well as psychosocial impacts. The call accepts individual projects, consortia, and high-risk proposals from researchers at Dutch institutions. This is an annual call with a two-stage review process; the pre-proposal phase has closed, and full proposals are due 1 September 2026.

Details

Funder	KWF
Application	2-stage: pre-proposal (closed 31 Mar 2026) → full proposal (deadline 1 Sep 2026)
Frequency	Annual
Eligible countries	NL

Eligibility & scope

Funds fundamental (Basic Research phase 1) and Credentialing (phase 2) cancer research, including biological mechanisms of cancer onset/progression and psychosocial impacts. Proposal types: Research Project, Consortium, and Unique High-Risk. Submitted via KWF GMS; participating institutes must register ≥6 weeks before closing. YIG proposals must use the separate 2026/YIG call.

Who Should Apply

•Researchers at Dutch academic or hospital institutions
•Projects addressing cancer biology, mechanisms of onset/progression, or psychosocial impacts
•Teams proposing individual projects, multi-partner consortia, or high-risk novel approaches
•Applicants whose pre-proposals were invited to full stage (two-stage process)

Key Dates

•Full proposal deadline: 1 September 2026, 12:00 noon (pre-proposal stage closed 31 March 2026)
•Two-stage review: shortlisted pre-proposals advance to full proposal phase
•Participating institutes must register in KWF GMS ≥6 weeks before the closing date

Tips for Applicants

✓Register your institute in the KWF GMS portal at least six weeks before the September deadline to avoid disqualification.
✓High-risk proposals are encouraged in this call, frame novel or unconventional approaches as a strength, not a weakness.
✓If your pre-proposal was not invited to full stage, check whether the separate 2026/YIG call may be a better fit for early-career researchers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cancer research does the KWF Exploration Call fund?

The call funds fundamental research (phase 1) and credentialing research (phase 2) covering biological mechanisms of cancer onset and progression, plus psychosocial impacts of cancer.

What is the deadline for the KWF Exploration Call 2026-3 full proposal?

Full proposals close 1 September 2026 at 12:00 noon; the pre-proposal stage closed 31 March 2026.

Can I submit a consortium proposal to the KWF Exploration Call?

Yes, the call accepts individual research projects, consortia, and unique high-risk proposals.

Where do I apply for the KWF Exploration Call?

Applications are submitted via the KWF GMS (Grant Management System); your institute must register ≥6 weeks before the deadline.

Is the KWF Exploration Call annual?

Yes, KWF runs the Exploration Call annually.

cancer-biologykwffundamental-researchnetherlandstwo-stageconsortium-option

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