Discovery Programme Foundation Award
Forecasted
Discovery Programme Foundation Award supports mid-career researchers developing independent programmes on fundamental cancer biology questions to build scientific leadership and internationally leading research.
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Funder: Cancer Research UK
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Full application) | March 2027 (Expression of interest) | April 2027 (Outline) | June 2027 (Full application) | August 2027 (Expression of interest) | September 2027 (Outline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £1.5 million over six years, or part-time equivalent
Summary: Supports mid-career researchers developing independent programmes addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology and building scientific leadership.
Key Information: Applicants must contact the discovery team before applying and hold a fully funded independent post throughout the award.
Description
Cancer Research UK’s Discovery Programme Foundation Award supports mid-career researchers developing their independent research programme and scientific leadership. It funds a coherent programme addressing an overarching question fundamental to cancer biology through interrelated smaller questions. The award aims to establish a foundation for internationally leading research and often provides a pathway to the Discovery Programme Award. Proposals building on previous work must explain how they extend that research.
The remit spans molecular mechanisms, cellular behaviour and cancer at the whole-body scale. Supported work includes basic cancer biology, disease-specific research and preclinical studies generating biological data to underpin therapeutic development. Multidisciplinary approaches can create or apply novel technologies and methodologies, including imaging and radiotherapy, to address previously intractable cancer questions. The Discovery Research Committee oversees assessment with support from Expert Review Panels.
