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

Up to £1.5 million total over 6 years (part-time equivalent possible)

Supports mid-career cancer researchers to develop independent, multidisciplinary research programmes addressing fundamental questions in cancer biology and technology.

Initial expression of interest required before outline application; UK-based salaried independent position mandatory.

--- ## Description This award is designed for mid-career researchers in cancer research who are seeking to further develop their independent research programmes and scientific leadership. The scheme supports investigators with a salaried independent position to address overarching, fundamental questions in cancer biology through a coherent and interrelated set of smaller research questions. Multidisciplinary approaches are encouraged, spanning molecular mechanisms, cellular behavior, and whole-body cancer biology, including the creation or application of novel technologies and methodologies (e.g., imaging, radiotherapy). The programme especially supports research that builds a strong foundation for future internationally-leading work and often serves as a pathway to the larger Discovery Programme Award. Proposals may include basic biology, disease-specific studies, and preclinical research underpinning therapeutic development, but should not be solely focused on clinical trials, drug discovery, or pure technology development. --- ## Due Dates - April 2, 2025: Outline application deadline - June 25, 2025: Full application deadline - September 29, 2025: Outline application deadline - January 12, 2026: Full application deadline - April 2, 2026: Outline application deadline - June 25, 2026: Full application deadline Applications are reviewed twice a year. The process requires an initial outline submission, with shortlisted applicants invited to submit a full application in the subsequent round (minimum 9 months from start to decision). --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £1.5 million total - Duration: Up to 6 years (or part-time equivalent) - Eligible costs: Postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, PhD students (stipend and fees), running costs, and essential equipment - Ineligible: Full-time clinical fellows, infrastructure support (e.g., clinical trials units, tissue banks) For detailed eligible and ineligible costs, see [CRUK costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers with a salaried independent position at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution. - Must meet the skills and experience criteria for the “Transition to Scientific Leadership” career stage (see [competency framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/competency-framework)). - Cannot have previously held a large multi-year principal investigator award from another funder (exceptions possible—contact CRUK). - Cannot concurrently hold a CRUK Career Establishment Award or Fellowship with this award (but may apply toward the end of such awards). - Host institution must provide adequate resources and space. - Core-funded researchers at CRUK Institutes (e.g., Francis Crick Institute) may not apply as lead/joint lead but may participate as co-investigators or collaborators. - Flexible working, career breaks, and part-time arrangements are supported. --- ## Application Process 1. **Expression of Interest**: Contact CRUK (discovery@cancer.org.uk) with a one-page summary of your research idea and an up-to-date CV at least one month before the outline deadline. 2. **Outline Application**: If eligible, submit an outline via Flexi-Grant. This includes project summary, aims, preliminary data, expected outputs, and a ballpark budget. 3. **Full Application**: Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application, including a detailed research proposal, justification appendix, data sharing plan, and institutional approval. 4. **Review Process**: Applications are reviewed by the Discovery Research Committee and expert panels, with feedback provided at each stage. An interview may be required at the full application stage. 5. **Decision**: Final funding decisions are made by the committee. If unsuccessful, re-application is possible after 18 months (subject to discussion). **Key requirements:** - All applicants must contact CRUK before applying. - Detailed budget justifications and compliance with CRUK policies (e.g., use of generative AI, data sharing, open access) are required. - For animal studies, compliance with UK standards and justification is mandatory. --- ## Additional Information - The scheme cannot support clinical trials, drug discovery as the sole aim, or pure technology development. - Joint lead applicants are permitted if at a similar career stage. - Reasonable adjustments for disability/accessibility and flexible working are available. - Observer opportunities for early/mid-career researchers are offered. - The 5-year rolling success rate for this scheme is approximately 25%. - See [CRUK research strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy) for strategic priorities. --- ## External Links - [Scheme details and application process](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/discovery-programme-foundation-awards) - [CRUK grants management system (Flexi-Grant)](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system) - [CRUK 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) - [Competency framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/competency-framework) - [Disability and accessibility support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) - [Observer scheme](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/additional-career-support/observer-scheme) --- ## Contact Information | Region | Contact Person | Email | |-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------|----------------------------------------| | South of England, Wales, London (excluding 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, N Ireland, North of England, Midlands | Dr Sowmiya Palani | [discovery@cancer.org.uk](mailto:discovery@cancer.org.uk) | General queries: [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | Phone: 020 7242 0200 [CRUK contact page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us)

Discovery Programme Foundation Award

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