Discovery Programme Award
Forecasted
Discovery Programme Award supports established researchers pursuing ambitious basic and early-stage translational cancer research to address fundamental questions and deepen understanding of cancer biology.
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Funder: Cancer Research UK
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Full application) | April 2027 (Outline) | June 2027 (Full application) | September 2027 (Outline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £2.5 million for up to five years
Summary: Long-term support for established researchers pursuing ambitious basic and early-stage translational programmes addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology.
Key Information: This is a closed scheme: contact discovery@cancer.org.uk at least one month before submission for eligibility clearance.
Description
Cancer Research UK’s Discovery Programme Award supports established researchers pursuing ambitious, creative programmes of basic and early-stage translational cancer research. Proposals should address an overarching question fundamental to cancer biology through connected aims, with a well-structured programme deliverable within the award period. Collaborative teams and multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged.
Administered through the Discovery Research Committee, the award covers research from molecular mechanisms and cellular behaviour to cancer at the whole-body scale. Its remit includes disease-specific research, preclinical studies generating biological data to underpin therapeutic development, and novel technologies or methodologies—including imaging and radiotherapy—that improve understanding of cancer. Programmes building on previous work must explain how they develop and extend that research.
