Discovery Programme Award
Supports established UK researchers to lead ambitious, multidisciplinary programmes in fundamental and early translational cancer research, spanning molecular, cellular, organismal, and preclinical studies.
Funder: Cancer Research UK
Due Dates: September 29, 2025 (Outline) | January 12, 2026 (Full) | April 2, 2026 (Outline) | June 25, 2026 (Full) | September 29, 2026 (Outline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £2.5 million over 5 years; funds postdocs, technical staff, PhD students, and research costs.
Summary: Supports established researchers in the UK to lead ambitious, multidisciplinary programmes in fundamental and early translational cancer research.
Key Information: Outline application and pre-application discussion with CRUK are required before full submission.
Description
This award provides substantial, long-term support to established researchers based at UK institutions to pursue ambitious, innovative programmes addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology. The scheme is designed for outstanding scientists in basic or early-stage translational cancer research, encouraging multidisciplinary and collaborative approaches. Projects may span molecular mechanisms, cellular biology, whole-organism studies, novel technologies, and preclinical investigations underpinning therapeutic development. The funding aims to enable cohesive programmes with a central vision and interconnected aims, delivered over five years.
