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

October 10, 2025 | April 10, 2026

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

Supports collaborative projects to accelerate the translation of discovery research into novel therapeutics for children and young people with cancer.

Open to academic researchers worldwide; initial expression of interest required.

--- ## Description This scheme funds collaborative projects between academic researchers and Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery laboratories to accelerate early-stage therapeutic discovery for childhood and young people’s cancers. The program is designed to de-risk innovative drug discovery proposals, providing hands-on support from Cancer Research Horizons experts and a structured, milestone-driven approach. Projects are managed by the grantholder, with guidance and resources coordinated by an assigned scientist from the Therapeutic Innovation team. The ultimate goal is to create a clear translational pathway for novel treatments, positioning projects for further investment and rapid patient benefit. --- ## Due Dates - October 10, 2025: Expression of interest deadline - April 10, 2026: Expression of interest deadline Applications are reviewed twice per year, in April and October. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to £250,000 per project - Maximum project duration: 18 months - Funding covers direct research costs, including staff time, running expenses, and outsourced activities. Academic funding is provided for research or technical staff and relevant consumables, as outlined in [Cancer Research UK's 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 at any university or research institute worldwide. - Applicants must have their own laboratory and/or conduct independent research. - Projects must focus on early-stage drug discovery for childhood and young people’s cancers. - Collaborative proposals with Cancer Research Horizons are required. - Not suitable for: - Basic/discovery research without translational focus - Solely gene silencing/editing in commercial cell lines - Full hit-finding, clinical development, or preclinical studies to initiate clinical trials - Drug repositioning/repurposing of approved therapies - Diagnostics, prevention, or early detection technologies --- ## Application Process - **Two-stage process:** 1. **Expression of Interest:** Submit via the [Flexi-Grant system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/). Proposals are triaged for fit and feasibility. 2. **Full Proposal (by invitation):** If successful at EOI, applicants are paired with a Therapeutic Innovation scientist to develop a detailed collaborative proposal and budget. - Applications are reviewed by an expert panel; feedback is provided but funding decisions are final. - No resubmissions unless specifically invited by the review committee. - Researchers are encouraged to [contact the program team](mailto:therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk) for a confidential discussion prior to applying. --- ## Additional Information - Reasonable adjustments and accessibility support are available throughout the application process. [Learn more](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers). - Intellectual property arising from collaborative work with Cancer Research Horizons is subject to special conditions—see [special grant conditions](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) for details. - Projects must demonstrate strong translational potential and reach a critical inflection point within 18 months. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details & Application Portal](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/childhood-cancer-therapeutic-catalyst) - [Flexi-Grant Application System](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - [Costs Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Special Grant Conditions (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) - [Disability & Accessibility Support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) - [Contact Page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|---------------| | Therapeutic Catalyst Team | [therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk](mailto:therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk) | | | Cancer Research UK Support | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | 020 7242 0200 | ---

Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst

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