The Cancer Research UK Discovery Programme Foundation Award 2026 supports mid-career cancer researchers who are developing independent research programmes and progressing toward scientific leadership. The scheme is designed to establish a strong foundation for internationally leading cancer research and can serve as a pathway toward CRUK’s larger Discovery Programme Award.
Researchers can apply for up to £1.5 million over six years, or the part-time equivalent, to pursue ambitious programmes addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology and early-stage translational research. The next outline application deadline is September 29, 2026. (Cancer Research UK)
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants may be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution.
- Applicants should demonstrate skills and experience corresponding to CRUK’s “Transition to Scientific Leadership” career stage.
- Applicants must already hold an independent salaried position and have their salary fully funded throughout the award period.
- Researchers approaching the end of a CRUK Fellowship or Career Establishment Award may apply but cannot hold the awards concurrently.
- Investigators receiving core funding from a CRUK Institute, including the Francis Crick Institute, cannot apply as lead or joint lead applicants.
- Flexible and part-time working arrangements may be considered with approval from the host institution.
- Applicants must contact CRUK for an informal eligibility discussion before submitting an application.
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: £1.5 million.
- Duration: Up to 6 years, or part-time equivalent.
- Funding may support postdoctoral researchers and technical staff.
Deadline
- Outline application deadline: September 29, 2026.
- Committee shortlisting: November 2026.
- Invited full application deadline: January 2027.
- Expert Review Panel interview: March–April 2027.
- Final committee review: June 2027.
Further Information
- Eligible work includes basic cancer biology and early-stage translational research.
- Applications are assessed on scientific excellence, innovation, cancer relevance, and alignment with CRUK’s research strategy.
- Applicants first submit an outline application; shortlisted researchers are invited to submit a full proposal and attend an Expert Review Panel interview.
- To express interest, applicants should send CRUK a CV and 1–2-page research summary before receiving access to the closed application round.
- Official program page: View the official website
- Contact: discovery@cancer.org.uk.