This week’s OncoGrants roundup spans six countries, four career stages, and a remarkably diverse set of cancer research priorities, united by a common thread: investing in the investigators who will define the next decade of oncology.
Invasive lobular carcinoma takes center stage with two AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance awards, a two-year mentored fellowship and a one-year innovation grant, both targeting one of breast cancer’s most underrepresented subtypes, with priority given to research on rare ILC subtypes, dormancy, and recurrence. It’s a rare week when a single disease subtype commands this level of dedicated funding attention, and researchers working in this space should take note immediately: both deadlines fall on April 9.
Career development dominates the rest of the list. ESMO contributes three distinct fellowship mechanisms closing simultaneously on May 3, a leadership award supporting up to 30 emerging oncology leaders globally, a two-year digital and computational pathology fellowship reflecting the field’s growing investment in AI-driven diagnostics, and the José Baselga Fellowship for clinician-scientists pursuing high-impact translational work at European institutions. All three are AstraZeneca-sponsored where applicable and carry structured mentorship as a core component.
Rounding out the week: Worldwide Cancer Research opens its tightly capped 2026 discovery round to global applicants, closing April 2 and filling fast, while the AACR-AstraZeneca Career Development Award and CureSearch Young Investigator Award both enter LOI stage on April 14. The BIG Cat grant offers a critical opportunity for early-career African investigators building independent cancer research programs on the continent. And anchoring the list is the NCI K99/R00 Pathway to Independence, the benchmark award for postdoctoral researchers preparing to launch their first independent faculty careers in cancer science.
1. Worldwide Cancer Research 2026 Discovery Research Grants — April 2, 2026
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.
2. AACR-LBCA ILC Research Fellowship — April 9, 2026
The AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Research Fellowship is a 2-year mentored fellowship designed to support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows working on projects directly relevant to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC). The program is intended to encourage innovative ILC research while helping fellows build a long-term career path in this disease area. The fellowship provides $130,000 USD over two years and begins on July 1, 2026.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field.
- At the start of the grant term, applicants must hold a mentored research position with the title of postdoctoral fellow, clinical research fellow, or equivalent.
- The proposed project must have direct applicability and relevance to invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
Funding Details:
- $130,000 USD total over 2 years.
- Start of grant term: July 1, 2026.
- Funds support salary/benefits and may also support non-personnel research costs related to the project.
Deadline:
- Application deadline: April 9, 2026, 1:00 PM ET. ,
- Decision date: June 2026. ,
Where to go for further information:
- Program details: AACR-LBCA ILC Research Fellowship
- AACR Current Funding Opportunities
3. AACR-LBCA ILC Innovation and Discovery Grants — April 9, 2026
The AACR-Lobular Breast Cancer Alliance Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Innovation and Discovery Grants are designed to support creative, paradigm-shifting ideas in ILC research. The program is open to projects addressing any aspect of basic or clinical research directly related to lobular breast cancer. Priority consideration is given to work on rare ILC subtypes, dormancy, and recurrence, and each award provides $50,000 USD over one year.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Projects must focus on invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC).
- Applications may address basic or clinical research directly related to lobular breast cancer.
- Priority is given to proposals studying rare ILC subtypes, dormancy, or recurrence.
Funding Details:
- $50,000 USD total.
- 1-year grant term.
- Start of grant term: July 1, 2026.
Deadline:
- Application deadline: April 9, 2026, 1:00 PM ET. ,
- Decision date: June 2026. ,
Where to go for further information:
4. AACR-AstraZeneca Career Development Award for Physician-Scientists — April 14, 2026
The AACR-AstraZeneca Career Development Award for Physician-Scientists, in Honor of José Baselga supports early-career physician-scientists conducting translational, clinical, or population sciences cancer research. It was established to honor the legacy of Dr. José Baselga and to encourage the development of innovative targeted therapeutics across oncology. The award provides $300,000 USD over 3 years, with the 2026 cycle currently open in the Letter of Intent (LOI) stage.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold a medical degree (MD, MD/PhD, DO, or equivalent).
- At the start of the grant term, applicants must hold a faculty position as assistant professor, instructor, research assistant professor, or equivalent.
- Applicants who have progressed to associate professor are not eligible.
- Projects must be in translational, clinical, or population sciences cancer research.
Funding Details:
- $300,000 USD total over 3 years.
- Start of grant term: November 1, 2026.
- Indirect costs are not permitted.
Deadline:
- LOI deadline: April 14, 2026, 1:00 PM ET.
- Invited full application deadline: August 4, 2026, 1:00 PM ET.
- Decision date: October 2026.
Where to go for further information:
5. CureSearch Young Investigator International Award in Pediatric Cancer Drug Development — April 14, 2026
The CureSearch Young Investigator International Award in Pediatric Cancer Drug Development supports early-career investigators transitioning to independence in pediatric oncology drug development. The program is designed to bridge the gap between postdoctoral training and full academic independence, with a focus on translational and preclinical research that can lead to new therapeutics for children with cancer. The 2026/27 cycle officially opened on March 2, 2026, and offers up to $75,000 per year for 3 years.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or MD-PhD.
- Applicants must be no more than six years beyond completion of postdoctoral training.
- Applicants must hold an academic appointment at the Instructor or Assistant Professor level, or have a confirmed transition into such a position within the first year of funding.
- Applications are accepted from institutions in the US, South America, EU, UK, Japan, Canada, China, or Australia.
Funding Details:
- $75,000 USD per year for 3 years ($225,000 total).
- Up to four awards may be made, depending on funds and scientific merit.
- Earliest project start date: January 1, 2027.
Deadline:
- LOI deadline: April 14, 2026.
- LOI notification / invited full applications: May 11, 2026.
- Full application deadline: July 16, 2026.
Where to go for further information:
- Official RFA: CureSearch Young Investigator Award RFA PDF
- CureSearch RFAs page: CureSearch RFAs
6. ESMO Leadership and Career Development Award — May 3, 2026
The ESMO Leadership and Career Development Award is a 1-year program designed to support emerging oncology leaders worldwide through protected time to deliver a clinical/translational research or capacity‑building project, paired with structured leadership training.
It includes an ESMO Leadership Training curriculum (online modules plus in‑person workshops connected to the ESMO Annual Congress) and opportunities to contribute to an ESMO scientific project (e.g., guidance documents).
Up to 30 awards are distributed globally, with applications assessed across geographical regions to support fair comparison across different settings.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an ESMO member.
- Must be a medical doctor.
- Must be age 30–45 at time of application.
- Not eligible if previously participated in ESMO Leaders Generation / ESMO Leadership Programme or previously received an ESMO Research Fellowship.
- Award can be carried out at any institution worldwide, including the applicant’s home institution.
Funding Details:
- €60,000 for 100% guaranteed protected time, or €30,000 for 50% protected time.
- Free registration for two ESMO Annual Congress editions plus one other ESMO meeting (regional or relevant to field).
- Applicant must use award funding or other resources to cover travel and accommodation.
- Includes structured leadership training and optional contribution to an ESMO project.
Deadline:
- ESMO’s 2026 Fellowship Programme announcement lists Application deadline: 3 May 2026.
Further Information:
- Program details page.
- ESMO Fellowship Programme announcement (deadline).
7. ESMO Digital and Computational Pathology Fellowship — May 3, 2026
The ESMO Digital and Computational Pathology Fellowship is a 2-year fellowship created to help young physicians develop expertise and deliver projects in digital and computational pathology with relevance to precision oncology.
It supports one fellow to explore innovative methods and implementation approaches for digital pathology in oncology practice and research, paired with ESMO Faculty mentorship.
The fellowship is sponsored by AstraZeneca and includes complimentary registration to ESMO congress/meetings relevant to the fellow’s work.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an ESMO member.
- Must be ≤40 years old at time of application (age limit extended by 1 year per child for parental leave during training).
- Must be a qualified medical doctor.
- Fellowship may be carried out at any institution worldwide.
- Fellow is expected to spend 100% time on the proposed project.
Funding Details:
- €200,000 total over 2 years (salary supplementation).
- Free registration to the ESMO Annual Congress and other relevant ESMO meetings.
- Opportunity to be paired with an ESMO Faculty mentor; expected regular meetings (at least every two months).
- Sponsored by AstraZeneca.
Deadline:
- ESMO’s 2026 Fellowship Programme announcement lists Application deadline: 3 May 2026.
Further Information:
- Program details page.
- ESMO Fellowship Programme announcement (deadline).
8. ESMO José Baselga Fellowship for Clinician Scientists — May 3, 2026
The José Baselga Fellowship for Clinician Scientists is a 3-year ESMO fellowship designed to support physicians pursuing a clinician‑scientist pathway in oncology by providing protected time, resources, and structured mentorship.
It funds one fellow to focus on a high‑impact translational research project, with mentorship from an ESMO Faculty member and regular mentor meetings (at least every two months).
The fellowship is sponsored by AstraZeneca and includes complimentary registration to ESMO congress/meetings relevant to the fellow’s research area.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an ESMO member.
- Must be under age 40 at time of application (age limit extended by 1 year per child for parental leave during training).
- Must be a fully qualified/board‑certified medical/clinical oncologist with ≥1 year post‑certification experience in medical, radiation, or surgical oncology.
- Must be currently engaged in cancer research and/or clinical oncology practice.
- Fellowship must be hosted at a European institution and the fellow must spend ≥50% time on the research project.
Funding Details:
- €200,000 total over 3 years (salary supplementation).
- Free registration to the ESMO Annual Congress and other relevant ESMO meetings.
- Includes ESMO Faculty mentorship with regular meetings (at least every two months).
- Sponsored by AstraZeneca.
Deadline:
- ESMO’s 2026 Fellowship Programme announcement lists Application deadline: 3 May 2026.
Further Information:
- Program details page.
- ESMO Fellowship Programme announcement (deadline).
9. BIG Cat – Beginning Investigator Grant for Catalytic Research — May 12, 2026
The Beginning Investigator Grant for Catalytic Research (BIG Cat) is an AORTIC–AACR initiative created to support early-career African investigators building independent careers in cancer research.
The program aims to strengthen cancer research capacity in Africa and generate evidence that can inform practice and policy across the continent. The 2026 cycle is currently open in the LOI stage, with a grant amount of $60,000 USD over 2 years.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be early-career investigators in Africa.
- The program is intended to support researchers who will build their careers in their home countries and institutions in Africa.
- The grant is focused on strengthening a pipeline of talented African cancer researchers.
Funding Details:
- $60,000 USD total over 2 years.
- Start of grant term: December 1, 2026.
Deadline:
- LOI deadline: May 12, 2026, 6:00 PM UTC.
- LOI notification date: July 2026.
Where to go for further information:
- Program details: BIG Cat Grant
- Program guidelines PDF: BIG Cat 2026 Guidelines
10. NCI Pathway to Independence Award for Cancer Researchers (K99/R00) — June 12, 2026
The NIH/NCI Pathway to Independence Award (K99/R00) is a prestigious transition grant for promising postdoctoral researchers in cancer science to achieve faculty independence. While not a cancer-specific RFA, NCI encourages junior scientists working in oncology to apply. The award provides up to 5 years of support in two phases: an initial mentored phase (K99) and a subsequent independent phase (R00) once the recipient secures a tenure-track position. This program helps bridge talented cancer researchers from training to independent research careers by providing funding, protected time, and a launchpad for their first faculty grant. Eligibility Criteria:
- Career Stage: Open to postdoctoral fellows (Ph.D., M.D., or equivalent) with no more than 4 years of postdoc research experience at the time of application. Must demonstrate significant cancer-relevant research accomplishments.
- Independence Potential: Candidates need a robust plan to transition to independence, including identified mentor(s) for the K99 phase and a description of potential independent R00 research.
- US or International: Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and non-U.S. citizens working at eligible U.S. institutions. (International applicants need appropriate visa status at time of award.)
- Effort Commitment: Must commit ≥75% of full-time professional effort to research and career development during K99.
- Other Support: Cannot have been a PI on major NIH grants (R01, etc.) or hold a faculty position.
Funding Details:
- K99 Phase (Mentored): Up to 2 years of support. NIH/NCI provides salary (often ~$100,000/year or as per institute cap) plus fringe benefits, and a small research allowance (e.g., $20,000–$25,000/year). Exact budgets follow NIH guidelines and institutional norms.
- R00 Phase (Independent): Up to 3 years of support activated when the awardee obtains a faculty position. Provides $249,000 total costs per year (typical for NCI R00) to support independent research (including PI salary, staff, supplies).
- In total, the award can exceed $700,000 across five years. The R00 funds are contingent on NCI approval of a transition request showing an appropriate tenure-track appointment.
- Mentorship & Training: The K99 includes a career development plan (workshops, courses, conferences) to enhance skills and facilitate the transition.
Deadline:
- Standard NIH due dates: For NCI K99/R00, deadlines are February 12, June 12, and October 12 annually (or next business day) for new applications.
Further Information:
- Where to Apply: Applications are submitted via Grants.gov (opportunity PA-XX-… for K99/R00) and assembled through NIH ASSIST or an institutional grant system.
- Important: Applicants should start preparing well ahead; strong reference letters and institutional commitment are needed. Ensure the research plan aligns with NCI’s mission.
What makes this week’s list stand out is its global orientation. From a UK funder backing discovery science in over 30 countries, to ESMO distributing awards across geographical regions for equitable comparison, to CureSearch accepting applications from institutions across three continents, to BIG Cat explicitly building Africa’s cancer research pipeline, this is a week that reflects how international oncology funding is becoming.
The most urgent deadlines are days away. Worldwide Cancer Research closes April 2, and both AACR-LBCA awards close April 9, leaving little time for researchers who haven’t already begun their applications. For those earlier in preparation, the ESMO fellowships, BIG Cat LOI, and NCI K99/R00 offer more runway but reward early starts. As always, keep checking OncoDaily’s OncoGrants section each week for the latest verified funding opportunities across the full cancer research landscape.
We’ll continue tracking high-value global oncology funding opportunities each week in OncoDaily’s OncoGrants.