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

February 6, 2026 | May 29, 2026 | September 25, 2026

Up to £250,000 per project for up to 18 months

Funds collaborative, early-stage drug discovery projects to accelerate novel cancer therapeutics from lab research to patient impact, with expert support from Cancer Research UK.

--- ## Description The Therapeutic Catalyst scheme is designed to accelerate the translation of laboratory discoveries into innovative cancer therapeutics. It supports exploratory drug discovery projects focused on validating and de-risking targets, helping researchers move promising ideas from the bench to patients. Projects are run collaboratively between academic researchers and Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery laboratories, with dedicated support from the Therapeutic Innovation team throughout both proposal development and project delivery. The scheme provides a unique partnership model, funding structure, and expert guidance to facilitate the development of single-agent anti-cancer therapeutics. --- ## Due Dates - February 6, 2026: Expression of interest deadline - May 29, 2026: Expression of interest deadline - September 25, 2026: Expression of interest deadline --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £250,000 per project - Project duration: Up to 18 months - Funding covers direct research costs, including staff time (research or technical), running expenses, and outsourced activities. In the UK, only direct research costs are funded (as per AMRC charity guidelines). --- ## Eligibility - Open to academic researchers based at any university or research institute worldwide. - Applicants must have their own lab and/or conduct independent research. - Projects must focus on de-risking targets for the development of novel single-agent anti-cancer therapeutics. - Suitable projects include: - Target deconvolution and validation - Novel therapeutic approaches to validated targets - Target identification (including platform, assay, or screen development) - Drug discovery feasibility and progression of advanced assets - Not suitable for: - Proposals based solely on gene silencing/editing in commercial tumour cell lines - Hit-finding activities, basic cancer biology, or exploratory mechanism studies - Combination therapies, drug repurposing, preclinical development for trial initiation, toxicology, or formulation/delivery studies - Early detection, diagnostics, or prevention technology development --- ## Application Process 1. **Expression of Interest (EOI):** - Submit an EOI via the [Flexi-Grant online system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/). - EOI is triaged for therapeutic potential, feasibility, and strategic fit by an internal committee. 2. **Full Proposal:** - If invited, work with an assigned Therapeutic Innovation scientist to develop a detailed, costed proposal and project timeline. - The final decision is made by an independent review panel; involved CRUK staff do not participate in funding decisions. 3. **Review Criteria:** - High-impact, translational science with clear patient benefit and robust proof of concept. - Project must reach a significant inflection point within 18 months to position for further investment or progression. 4. **Feedback and Resubmissions:** - Feedback is provided, but funding decisions are final. - Resubmissions are not accepted unless recommended by the review committee. --- ## Additional Information - Reasonable adjustments and accessibility support are available throughout the application process, without requiring a formal diagnosis. - Intellectual property arising from activities at Cancer Research Horizons (CRH) premises will vest in CRH; see [special terms and conditions](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf). - For projects with a focus on childhood cancers, a dedicated [Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/childhood-cancer-therapeutic-catalyst) scheme is available. - Detailed cost guidance and grant conditions are available on the [Cancer Research UK policies and guidance page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance). --- ## External Links - [Therapeutic Catalyst program page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/therapeutic-catalyst) - [Expression of Interest form (Flexi-Grant)](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - [Research policies and guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance) - [Special terms and conditions (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) - [Disability and accessibility support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General inquiries & eligibility | [therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk](mailto:therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk) | | Funder general contact | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | | Phone (UK) | 020 7242 0200 | | Funder contact page | [Contact Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) |

Therapeutic Catalyst - Cancer Research UK

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