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:
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Lead Applicant: Sole PI at a UK university or research institute.
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Position: Full-time post with host commitment to fund your full salary throughout the award.
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Career Stage: Meet “transition to scientific leadership” competencies in CRUK’s Fellowship Framework.
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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:
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Duration: Up to 6 years (part-time pro-rata allowed; ≥ 0.5 FTE on research).
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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:
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Outline Submission: 26 September 2024
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Final Submission (if invited): 9 January 2025
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Committee Review: June 2025
How to Apply & Further Information:
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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.
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Outline Application: Submit via Flexi-Grant; if shortlisted, you’ll be invited to full application.
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Full Application & Interview: Submit and interview with Expert Review Panel for recommendation.
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Guidelines & Conditions: Download Outline & Full application guides and Grant Conditions from the CRUK website.
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Contacts: [email protected]