Worldwide Cancer Research (WCR) is a UK-based global funder supporting discovery-stage cancer research. Their 2026 Grant Round invites bold ideas from scientists anywhere in the world aiming to prevent, diagnose or treat any type of cancer. This program funds innovative basic or translational research projects that can lead to the next breakthroughs in cancer understanding. WCR emphasizes early-stage ideas that might be considered too high-risk for conventional funding, encouraging creativity and global collaboration in cancer research.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Research Focus: Proposals can address any cancer type, including basic biology, prevention, or treatment. Must be hypothesis-driven and clearly relevant to cancer.
- Career Stage: Open to independent researchers at any career stage (typically from postdoctoral level upwards). Past awards often go to early-career investigators establishing labs, but senior scientists are also eligible.
- Institution: Applicants must be based at a recognized, not-for-profit research institution anywhere in the world. International applications encouraged; WCR has funded researchers in over 30 countries.
- Other: Only one application per lead investigator per round. Projects should not overlap with currently funded work. Preliminary data are not strictly required if the idea is strong.
Funding Details:
- Grant Amount: Up to £250,000 (approx. $330,000 USD) per project, typically spread over 1–3 years (exact budget based on project needs). This covers salaries, consumables, and small equipment.
- Project Duration: Usually 24–36 months. Aims to support early-phase research that can seed larger future grants.
- Use of Funds: Funds fundamental or translational research costs; generally does not cover large equipment or clinical trial expenses. Overheads/indirect costs are not covered.
- Number of Grants: Highly competitive – only ~%10 of applications funded. WCR typically awards 20–30 grants annually.
Deadline:
- Outline Application Deadline: April 2, 2026.
Further Information:
- Contact: grant@worldwidecancerresearch.org for inquiries.
- Note: Ensure the proposal highlights the novelty and potential impact. WCR specifically looks for out-of-the-box approaches that could open new avenues in cancer science.