This week’s OncoGrants roundup spans six continents and every stage of the cancer research pipeline — from postdoctoral mobility fellowships and early-career research development to large-scale translational programmes and multi-million-pound international consortia.
The list reflects a notably global character. Several opportunities are specifically designed to strengthen cancer research capacity in Africa and other under-resourced regions, with fellowships from UICC, AREF, and CRUK explicitly targeting equity in scientific leadership and access to expertise. Alongside these, prestigious international fellowship schemes — including the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and the DKFZ MasterClass Track — offer career-defining opportunities for oncology researchers seeking structured mobility and mentorship.
On the translational and clinical side, this week features standout funding for cell and gene therapy innovation in solid tumors, academic-led cancer drug development through the KWF PIPELINE Call, and major infrastructure investment via the Australian Cancer Research Foundation. Rounding out the selection is a CRUK International Accelerator Award offering up to £20 million for collaborative, cross-border cancer research programmes.
Whether you are an early-career investigator building your first independent research profile or a senior scientist ready to lead a large translational consortium, this week’s grants offer high-impact pathways forward.
1. AREF Research Development Fellowship 2026/27 (Africa)
The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) Research Development Fellowship supports early-career researchers based in Africa who are working on important human health challenges — including non-communicable diseases such as cancer — by funding an immersive placement at a leading research institution in the UK, Europe, or Africa. The programme is built on the belief that Africa’s health solutions should be led by African scientists, and it targets a specific skills gap each fellow has identified, offering a structured experience that includes pre-placement preparation and post-placement integration support at the fellow’s home institution. The fellowship is designed to build long-term research leadership capacity within Africa-based institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be a national of, and currently employed in, an African country
- Be a research-active postdoctoral scientist or clinician with a higher qualification (equivalent to or beyond a Master’s degree)
- Be an emerging research leader working on challenges in human health (including oncology/NCDs)
- Identify a specific skills gap to be addressed through the placement
- Have secured agreement from a host institution (UK, Europe, or Africa) for the placement
- Have institutional support from their employing organisation to allow leave of absence
Funding Details:
- Up to £47,000 total funding
- Covers: accommodation, travel, subsistence, training, and research consumables during a 3–9 month placement
- Note: AREF does not reimburse the applicant’s salary — employing institution must continue salary support
- Fellowships can start between June 2027 and December 2027
Deadline:
- Application deadline: 8 May 2026, 13:00 GMT
- Decisions communicated: December 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Application portal
- Programme page: africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk
- Contact: via the portal’s “Contact Us” section (preferred by 27 April 2026)
2. ACGT Investigator Award in Cell & Gene Therapy for Solid Tumor Cancers 2026
The ACGT Investigator Award in Cell & Gene Therapy for Solid Tumor Cancers supports translational research projects aimed at advancing next-generation immunotherapies for solid tumors. Funded by the Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy (ACGT), the programme focuses on innovative cell- and gene-based approaches that have strong potential for clinical translation. Priority areas include CAR-T, TCR, TIL, CAR-NK, CRISPR-based strategies, and synthetic biology platforms. The award is designed to help academic investigators move promising laboratory discoveries toward first-in-human or early clinical development. Collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches are strongly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Hold an MD, PhD, or MD/PhD degree
- Be a tenure-track or tenured independent faculty member
- Conduct translational cell or gene therapy research in solid tumors
- Be affiliated with an academic medical center or research institution
- Conduct the funded research at an institution in the United States or Canada
There are no citizenship restrictions.
Funding Details:
- Total funding: $250,000–$500,000 USD
- Grant term: 2–3 years
- Maximum indirect costs: 10%
- Supports research personnel, supplies, equipment, and translational activities
Deadline:
- Abstract / LOI deadline: 15 May 2026
- Invited full application deadline: 1 September 2026
Where to go for further information:
- RFA details.
- Application portal: ProposalCentral
- Contact: info@acgtfoundation.org
3. Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Annual Research Grant 2026
The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Annual Research Grant is a major capital funding programme designed to accelerate transformative cancer research by investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, technology platforms, and specialised equipment. Rather than funding individual projects or salaries, ACRF focuses on enabling large-scale, collaborative research environments that support long-term impact across cancer detection, prevention, and treatment. Grants are awarded following rigorous peer review by the ACRF Medical Research Advisory Committee and are intended to position Australian institutions at the forefront of global cancer research.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an Australian medical research institute, hospital, or university
- Propose research focused on cancer detection, prevention, or treatment
- Demonstrate strong scientific leadership and institutional support
- Show capacity to leverage additional funding and collaborative partnerships
Joint and multi-institutional applications are encouraged.
Funding Details:
- Grant amount: $1.5 million – $5 million AUD
- Supports:
- Major scientific equipment
- Technology platforms
- Research infrastructure
- Limited specialist technical salaries
- Does not fund routine consumables or general operating costs
Deadline:
- Applications open: 9 March 2026
- Applications close: 22 May 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Programme page
- Contact: grants@acrf.com.au
4. UICC Bourse pour l’Afrique Francophone 2026
The UICC Bourse pour l’Afrique Francophone Fellowship supports cancer control professionals based in Francophone African countries by funding short-term training placements at partner institutions within the Francophone network. The programme aims to strengthen regional capacity in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and public health through targeted skills acquisition. Fellows undertake a structured visit lasting between two weeks and two months, allowing them to gain hands-on experience, technical expertise, or policy-level insights that can be directly applied in their home institutions.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be based in a Francophone African country
- Work in cancer control (clinical, public health, research, or nursing)
- Hold a Master’s degree or MD with at least 5 years of experience
or be a registered nurse with relevant professional experience - Secure acceptance from a host institution in a Francophone country
- Submit the application in French
Funding Details:
- Covers economy-class travel
- Living expenses calculated according to UICC country scales
- Duration: 2 weeks to 2 months
- No direct salary support
Deadline:
- Applications open: 3 April 2026
- Applications close: 4 June 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Programme page
- Fellowship portal: UICC Fellowships Programme
5. Cancer Council Victoria Grants in Aid 2026
The Cancer Council Victoria Project Grants support high‑quality cancer research aimed at improving cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship outcomes. The programme funds investigator‑initiated projects across basic, translational, clinical, and population health research. Priority is given to studies with a clear pathway to impact for cancer patients or health systems in Australia, while maintaining strong scientific rigor. Early‑career and mid‑career investigators are encouraged to apply, either independently or as part of collaborative research teams.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be employed by an Australian university, medical research institute, or hospital
- Hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent qualification
- Demonstrate capacity to lead an independent research project
- Conduct research relevant to cancer control and outcomes
Applications from multidisciplinary teams are encouraged.
Funding Details:
- Grant amount: Up to $150,000 AUD per year
- Funding duration: Up to 3 years
- Supports personnel, consumables, equipment, and research-related costs
- Indirect costs permitted within specified limits
Deadline:
- Application deadline: June 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Programme page
- Application portal: SmartyGrants
- Contact: research@cancervic.org.au
6. KWF PIPELINE Call 2026 — Dutch Cancer Society (Netherlands/Europe)
The KWF PIPELINE Call is a dedicated funding mechanism by the Dutch Cancer Society (KWF) designed to bridge the gap between academic cancer drug innovation and clinical development, specifically for cases where industry has not yet pursued — or is unlikely to pursue — commercial development. The programme targets the bottlenecks academics face in advancing their discoveries to the clinic: insufficient collaboration, lack of resources, and underdeveloped development pathways. KWF collaborates with Cancer Research UK’s Centre for Drug Development (CDD) to support early Phase I/IIa clinical trials for academics who need expert support. Any EU-regulated medicinal product — including small molecules, biologicals, radiopharmaceuticals, and ATMPs — is eligible.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be affiliated with an academic or research institution
- Propose clinical development of a new cancer drug originating from academic research
- Focus on cancer patients with unmet medical needs
- The drug must be regulated as a medicinal product within the European Union
- Collaboration with industry partners is allowed; however, market or ecosystem failure must be demonstrated as the rationale for academic-led development
Funding Details:
- Supports clinical trials and drug development activities
- Budget commensurate with development plan requirements (no fixed cap stated; reviewed per application)
- Optional access to KWF-CRUK CDD collaboration for Phase I/IIa trial expertise
- Regulatory and business development support available alongside financial support
Deadline:
- Pre-proposals open: 21 April 2026
- Pre-proposals close: 7 July 2026, 12:00 noon
- Full proposals open: 6 October 2026
- Full proposals close: 8 December 2026, 12:00 noon
- Funding decision: April 2027
Where to go for further information:
- Programme details.
- Contact: pharmaceuticals@kwf.nl
7. Cancer Research UK–Funded International Accelerator Award 2026
The Cancer Research UK (CRUK) International Accelerator Award supports large‑scale, multidisciplinary cancer research programmes that bring together leading researchers from the UK and partner countries to address major unanswered questions in cancer. The scheme is specifically designed to accelerate progress by combining complementary expertise, resources, and patient populations across borders. Oncology projects are eligible across the full spectrum of cancer research, including cancer biology, early detection, prevention, translational research, and population sciences. CRUK strongly encourages partnerships involving low‑ and middle‑income countries, particularly in Africa, where cancer burden is rising and research capacity building is a key objective.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be based at an eligible academic or non‑profit research institution
- Apply as part of a UK‑led international consortium
- Demonstrate complementary expertise between UK and international partners
- Propose a cancer research programme with clear added value from international collaboration
- Show potential for significant scientific or translational impact
There are no citizenship restrictions. International partner institutions may be based in Europe, Africa, Australia, or other regions.
Funding Details:
- Total funding: Up to £20 million per award (programme‑dependent)
- Funding duration: Up to 6 years
- Covers research staff, consumables, equipment, data generation, and collaboration costs
- Funding levels determined by scientific scope and consortium size
Deadline:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) deadline: Mid‑2026 (exact date specified in call guidance)
- Full application by invitation only following EOI review
Where to go for further information:
- Programme page
- Application system: CRUK Grant Management System (GMS)
- Contact: internationalfunding@cancer.org.uk
8. DKFZ Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship — MasterClass Track 2026
The DKFZ Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship MasterClass Track is a structured support programme offered by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) to help oncology-focused postdoctoral researchers successfully apply for the highly competitive MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships. The programme combines intensive proposal-writing workshops, one-on-one mentorship with experienced MSCA awardees and supervisors, and full administrative support throughout the application process. Hosted at DKFZ in Heidelberg, one of Europe’s leading cancer research institutions, the MasterClass is specifically tailored for oncology, cancer biology, translational research, and cancer prevention projects. In 2025, 95% of DKFZ-supported applicants received a Seal of Excellence, demonstrating the programme’s strong track record.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD degree at the time of the MSCA application
- Be of any nationality
- Have a maximum of 8 years of postdoctoral research experience
- Have defended their PhD before 9 September 2026
- Comply with MSCA mobility rules
- Propose a cancer-related research project hosted at DKFZ (Germany)
There are no citizenship restrictions.
Funding Details:
- Full MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship salary (EU-funded)
- Monthly living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance (if applicable)
- Research, training, and networking budget
- Institutional proposal development support from DKFZ
- Duration: 12–24 months (European Fellowship)
Deadline:
- MSCA PF application deadline: 9 September 2026
- DKFZ MasterClass workshops: June–July 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Programme page
- MSCA application platform: EU Funding & Tenders Portal
9. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 support highly qualified postdoctoral researchers undertaking advanced training and research mobility across borders. Open to all disciplines, including oncology and cancer research, the programme aims to enhance creative and innovative potential while fostering career development through international, interdisciplinary, and intersectoral experiences. Fellows can pursue either a European Fellowship hosted in an EU or Associated Country, or a Global Fellowship involving an outgoing phase outside Europe followed by a mandatory return phase. MSCA PFs are among the most prestigious and competitive fellowships worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD degree at the time of application
- Be of any nationality
- Have no more than 8 years of postdoctoral research experience
- Comply with MSCA mobility rules
- Propose a research project aligned with the host institution’s expertise
There are no discipline restrictions; oncology and cancer research projects are fully eligible.
Funding Details:
- Living allowance: up to ~€5,990 per month (country-corrected)
- Mobility allowance and family allowance (if applicable)
- Research, training, and networking costs
- Total 2026 call budget: €399.05 million
- Duration:
- European Fellowship: 12–24 months
- Global Fellowship: 24–36 months
Deadline:
- Call opens: 9 April 2026
- Application deadline: 9 September 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Call page.
- Application portal: EU Funding & Tenders Portal
10. IARC Visiting Scientist Fellowship Programme 2026 (WHO / France)
The IARC Visiting Scientist Fellowship Programme enables cancer researchers to conduct collaborative projects at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized cancer research agency of the World Health Organization based in Lyon, France. The programme supports short‑term research stays focused on cancer epidemiology, prevention, environmental and lifestyle risk factors, cancer genomics, and early detection. The fellowship is particularly valuable for investigators from low‑ and middle‑income countries seeking access to IARC’s unique datasets, biobanks, and analytical expertise.
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral qualification
- Be actively involved in cancer research at their home institution
- Propose a project aligned with IARC’s scientific priorities
- Obtain support from both the home institution and an IARC host scientist
Researchers from Africa, Europe, Australia, and other regions are eligible.
Funding Details:
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Lyon
- Travel costs to and from France
- Research support during the fellowship period
- Fellowship duration: 2 weeks to 6 months
Deadline:
- Application deadline: September 2026
Where to go for further information:
- Programme page
- Fellowship information: IARC Training and Fellowships
- Contact: fellowships@iarc.fr
From fellowship training in Francophone Africa to flagship international consortia between the UK and global partners, this week’s grants underscore a shared ambition: to build the people, the platforms, and the partnerships that cancer research needs to move faster. The opportunities span institutions across Australia, Europe, North America, and Africa — a reminder that the oncology funding landscape is increasingly borderless. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review eligibility criteria carefully, particularly mobility requirements for MSCA-linked awards, and to initiate institutional conversations early, as several grants require host institution agreements or letters of support well in advance of the posted deadlines.
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