The Yorkshire Cancer Research–Sheffield Pioneers Funding 2027 supports cancer research through fellowships, project awards and grants for preliminary studies at the University of Sheffield. Round 6 opens on November 3, 2026, with advanced fellowships offering up to £1.25 million.
Fellowships welcome both internal and external candidates, providing opportunities for researchers seeking to establish or strengthen their independent careers at Sheffield. Project and small-grant lead applicants must be based at the university.
Eligibility and Application Criteria
- Fellowship applications are open to internal and external candidates.
- External fellowship applicants must nominate a mentor or supervisor holding a substantive University of Sheffield contract.
- Project and small-grant awards are restricted to internal applicants.
- Proposals must address at least one of the university’s five cancer research strategy themes.
- All applications must undergo University of Sheffield internal review.
- Fellowship applicants must include a CV with their outline application.
- Previously submitted proposals must include earlier reviewer comments.
- Only applicants approved through internal review may proceed to the full application stage.
Funding Details
- Advanced Fellowships: Up to £1.25 million over five years.
- Transition Fellowships: Up to £350,000 over three years.
- Project Awards: £100,000–£1 million over up to three years.
- Small Grants / Pump Priming: Approximately £200,000 over up to two years.
- Eligible project expenses include consumables, equipment, travel, open-access publishing and patient involvement.
Deadline
- Internal outline application: December 11, 2026, at 5 p.m. UK time.
- Fellowship interviews: February 8, 2027.
- Internal progression decisions: By February 24, 2027.
- Invited full applications: May 19, 2027, at noon UK time.