Jul 19, 2025, 22:38

CRUK Discovery Programme Foundation Award

The Discovery Programme Foundation is a six‐year award (or part‐time equivalent) up to £1.5 million to empower mid‐career researchers to build and lead their own independent cancer research group—spanning preclinical biology, biomarker, imaging, radiotherapy, and engineering/physical sciences.

Eligibility Criteria:

Lead Applicant: Sole PI at a UK university or research institute.
Position: Full-time post with host commitment to fund your full salary throughout the award.
Career Stage: Meet “transition to scientific leadership” competencies in CRUK’s Fellowship Framework.
Restrictions: Cannot concurrently hold a CRUK Fellowship, Career Establishment Award, or core‐funded Group Leader role at a CRUK Institute.

Scientific Remit:

Supports projects in:

Basic cancer biology & preclinical therapeutic development
Biomarker discovery & validation
Imaging & radiotherapy research
Engineering/physical sciences applications in cancer
Multidisciplinary EPSRC-leveraged projects encouraged

Funding Details:

Duration: Up to 6 years (part-time pro-rata allowed; ≥ 0.5 FTE on research).
Quantum: Up to £1.5 million, covering:

• Postdoc & technician salaries

• PhD stipend, fees & running costs

• Consumables, travel, training, exchanges

• Equipment essential to the programme

Key Dates:

Outline Submission: 26 September 2024
Final Submission (if invited): 9 January 2025
Committee Review: June 2025

How to Apply & Further Information:

Pre-application Discussion: Contact your regional Discovery Research Grants Manager at least two months before outline deadline to confirm fit and open the online form.
Outline Application: Submit via Flexi-Grant; if shortlisted, you’ll be invited to full application.
Full Application & Interview: Submit and interview with Expert Review Panel for recommendation.
Guidelines & Conditions: Download Outline & Full application guides and Grant Conditions from the CRUK website.
Contacts: [email protected]