The CRUK Discovery Programme Award is Cancer Research UK’s core grant for supporting high-quality, investigator-led basic and early-translational cancer research at UK institutions. This is a substantial multi-year award intended to advance fundamental understanding of cancer biology, including mechanisms of disease initiation, progression, and how cancer interacts with its microenvironment. The scheme operates with closed rounds, meaning applicants must contact CRUK to discuss their proposal before submitting an outline application. Applications are reviewed twice per year by the Discovery Research Committee.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or recognized research institution
- During the full duration of the award, must be in a post fully funded by the relevant national Higher Education Funding Council, NHS, or equivalent
- Must contact CRUK for an informal eligibility and suitability discussion before applying
- Prior CRUK funding is not a prerequisite; however, applicants should not currently hold a CRUK Fellowship or CRUK Career Establishment Award concurrently
- Research must have clear cancer relevance advancing fundamental understanding of cancer or cancer diagnostics/treatment
- Drug discovery as the sole focus of the project is not supported under this scheme
Funding Details:
- Award amount is project-dependent and determined through negotiation; covers direct research costs (salary, consumables, equipment)
- Duration: variable; multi-year funding expected (see scheme guidelines for full details)
- Indirect costs supported as per CRUK’s costs and salary guidance
- Relocation costs for grant staff are not covered
Deadline:
- Outline application deadline: April 2, 2026 (contact CRUK at least one month before)
- Full applications by invitation following outline review
- Applications managed through CRUK’s online system, Flexi-Grant
Where to Go for Further Information
- Program details.
- Contact for eligibility discussion (before submitting): researchfunding@cancer.org.uk