Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center invite applications for their new Synergy Grant funding mechanism, designed to support ambitious international collaborations that could produce major advances in cancer risk assessment, early detection, and interception.
The program seeks highly innovative projects that combine complementary expertise, infrastructure, datasets, and technologies from both institutions. Relevant areas include solid tumors, hematological malignancies, and advanced emerging tools and technologies, while projects developing or applying AI and Data-Driven Life Science methodologies are particularly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Every application must be a joint Mayo Clinic–Karolinska Institutet collaboration and include one lead investigator from Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and one lead investigator from Cancer Research KI.
- Mayo Clinic applicants must hold an eligible faculty position at one of the three Mayo Clinic sites. Eligible faculty categories specified in the call include AC, SAC, or Consultant positions.
- Cancer Research KI applicants must hold a PhD, work at a Karolinska Institutet department, and have at least 50% research time.
- Both new collaborations and teams with an existing history of Mayo–KI collaboration are eligible.
- Strong areas of potential collaboration include breast cancer and other solid tumors, hematological malignancies, and advanced emerging tools and technologies.
- Projects involving Artificial Intelligence and Data-Driven Life Science are especially encouraged, provided that applicable Swedish and U.S. legislation and patient-data protection requirements are addressed.
Funding Details:
- Maximum funding per project: Up to $2,000,000 in total costs over 4 years.
- The award consists of:
Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center component: up to $250,000 per year for 4 years.
Cancer Research KI component: up to SEK 2,500,000 per year for 4 years. - Award duration: 4 years, structured as 2 + 2 years.
- Grant Amount: Up to $2,000,000 over 4 years
Deadline:
- Application deadline in Sweden: November 6, 2026, at 23:59
- Application deadline in Rochester, Minnesota: November 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM CT
- Award announcements: February 1, 2027
- Funding period: March 1, 2027 – February 28, 2031 (Karolinska Institutet)
Further Information:
- Official program information and application details: Visit the Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic CCC Synergy Grants page for the current eligibility criteria, funding details, deadlines, and program information.
- Full call document: Read the official Cancer Research KI–Mayo Clinic CCC Synergy Grant Call for detailed eligibility requirements, application instructions, evaluation criteria, budgets, and submission procedures.
- Suggested research topics: Review the official supplemental material for examples of potential projects and areas of synergy in solid tumors, hematological malignancies, AI, emerging technologies, and REDI research.
- Finding a collaborator: Investigators seeking a partner at the other institution may send a short project description to Angie Emanuel at emanuel.angela@mayo.edu and Liselotte Bäckdahl at liselotte.backdahl@ki.se for assistance identifying potential collaborators.
- Application and inquiries: Submit the completed application to mcccccrkicollab@mayo.edu and cancerresearchki@ki.se. Questions regarding the call, eligibility, or application process may also be directed to these addresses.