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

Up to £2.5 million over 5 years; funds staff, running costs, equipment, and PhD studentships.

Long-term support for established researchers to pursue ambitious, multidisciplinary programmes addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology.

Outline application and pre-application discussion with CRUK are mandatory before full submission.

--- ## Description This award provides significant, long-term funding for established researchers aiming to address fundamental questions in cancer biology through ambitious, multidisciplinary programmes. The scheme targets basic and early-stage translational research, supporting projects that are hypothesis-driven, centre on a core vision, and are deliverable within a five-year timeframe. The programme encourages collaborative approaches, including teams across institutions and with international or commercial partners, and supports the development or application of novel technologies and methodologies in cancer research. --- ## Due Dates - April 2, 2025: Outline application deadline - September 29, 2025: Outline application deadline - April 2, 2026: Outline application deadline - June 25, 2025: Full application deadline - January 12, 2026: Full application deadline - June 25, 2026: Full application deadline Outline applications are required first; shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications in the subsequent round. Each cycle typically spans at least 9 months from outline to final decision. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum of £2.5 million per award - Funding period: up to 5 years - Supports salaries for postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, PhD studentships (stipend and fees), running costs, and essential equipment - Does not fund PI salary, clinical fellows, or infrastructure support for clinical trials units or tissue banks --- ## Eligibility - Lead applicants must be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution. - Applicants must be in a post fully funded by a national Higher Education Funding Council, the NHS, or equivalent throughout the award. - Prior CRUK funding is not required. - Core-funded researchers at CRUK institutes (e.g., Francis Crick Institute) cannot apply as lead but may participate as co-investigators or collaborators. - International and commercial collaborators are permitted, but additional review applies for in vivo studies outside the UK. - Multidisciplinary and multi-institution teams are encouraged. --- ## Application Process 1. **Mandatory Pre-application Discussion**: Contact CRUK (discovery@cancer.org.uk) at least one month before the outline deadline to discuss eligibility and proposal fit. 2. **Outline Application**: Submit via Flexi-Grant, including CV, a 1–2 page research summary, and justification for applying. 3. **Shortlisting**: Committee review; feedback provided. 4. **Full Application**: Invited applicants submit a detailed proposal and institutional approval. Includes research plan, CVs, justification appendix, data sharing plan, and letters of support. 5. **Interview**: Full applicants are interviewed by an Expert Review Panel. 6. **Decision**: Final funding decision by the Discovery Research Committee. Resubmissions are not allowed unless specifically recommended by the committee. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals must focus on fundamental cancer biology or early-stage translational research. - Not suitable for clinical trials, projects focused solely on drug discovery, biomarker validation, cancer prevention, or pure technology development. - Flexible and part-time working arrangements are supported. - Reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities or career breaks are available. - Success rate is approximately 36% (2020–2025). - Feedback is provided, but decisions are final. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details & Application Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/discovery-programme-awards) - [Research Strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy) - [Costs Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Salary Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/salary-guidance-grants) - [Narrative CV Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/narrative-cvs) - [Flexible Research Careers](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/additional-career-support/flexible-research-careers) - [Disability & Accessibility Support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) --- ## Contact Information | Region | Contact Person | Email | |----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | South of England, Wales, London (excl. UCL) | Dr Divneet Kaur | [discovery@cancer.org.uk](mailto:discovery@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, UCL | Dr Hannah Reeves | [discovery@cancer.org.uk](mailto:discovery@cancer.org.uk) | | Scotland, Northern Ireland, North, Midlands | Dr Sowmiya Palani | [discovery@cancer.org.uk](mailto:discovery@cancer.org.uk) | For general queries: [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) or [020 7242 0200](tel:02072420200) ---

Discovery Programme Award

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