[Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org)

October 10, 2025 (Expression of interest) | April 10, 2026 (Expression of interest; upcoming)

Up to £250,000 per project for up to 18 months.

Funds collaborative projects to translate discovery research into novel therapeutics for children and young people with cancer.

--- ## Description This scheme accelerates the translation of discovery research into new therapeutics for children and young people with cancer. Projects are run collaboratively between academic researchers and Cancer Research Horizons’ Therapeutic Innovation team, with funding and strategic support from Cancer Research UK. The scheme is designed to de-risk early-stage therapeutic concepts, validate targets or technologies, and position them for further investment or development. Researchers manage their projects with regular input from the Therapeutic Innovation team, ensuring access to specialized resources and expertise. --- ## Due Dates - October 10, 2025: Expression of interest deadline (Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst) - April 10, 2026: Expression of interest deadline (Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst; upcoming) Applications are reviewed twice per year, in April and October. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum of £250,000 per project. - Funding duration: up to 18 months. - Covers direct research costs, including staff time (research or technical) and associated running expenses. For details, see the [costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants). --- ## Eligibility - Open to academic researchers worldwide, based at any university or research institute. - Applicants must lead their own lab and/or conduct independent research. - Projects must focus on early drug discovery for childhood and young people’s cancer. - Collaborative proposals with Cancer Research Horizons are required. - Not eligible: basic biological research, projects focused solely on gene silencing/editing in standard cell lines, full hit-finding, clinical/preclinical development, drug product toxicology/formulation, early detection/diagnostics/prevention, and drug repurposing with approved therapies. --- ## Application Process 1. **Expression of Interest**: Submit via [Flexi-Grant](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/). An internal committee will assess project fit and potential. 2. **Full Proposal**: If shortlisted, you will work with a Therapeutic Innovation scientist to develop a collaborative, costed proposal. The final decision is made by an independent review panel. 3. **Feedback**: All applicants receive feedback, but funding decisions are final. Resubmissions are not accepted unless specifically invited. Applicants are encouraged to contact the program team for a confidential discussion before applying. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must reach a key inflection point within 18 months, demonstrating hypothesis validation and readiness for further development. - Intellectual property generated at Cancer Research Horizons will vest in Cancer Research Horizons, with provisions for collaborative use between parties. See [special terms and conditions](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf). - Reasonable disability and accessibility accommodations are available throughout the process; [learn more](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers). - Only direct research costs are funded; see detailed [costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants). --- ## External Links - [Scheme details and application portal](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/childhood-cancer-therapeutic-catalyst) - [Flexi-Grant application system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - [Costs guidance for grants](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Research policies and guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance) - [Disability and accessibility support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) - [Special terms and conditions (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------------| | General queries | [therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk](mailto:therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk) | | Funder main contact | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | | Funder phone | +44 20 7242 0200 | | Contact form | [Contact Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) |

Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst

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