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

October 3, 2025 (Expression of Interest) | February, June, October (recurring rounds)

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

Supports collaborative early-stage drug discovery projects to accelerate translation of laboratory cancer research into novel therapeutics.

Open globally; applicants must be independent academic researchers with their own lab.

--- ## Description The Therapeutic Catalyst, offered by Cancer Research UK and delivered via Cancer Research Horizons, is designed to advance promising laboratory discoveries in cancer research toward novel therapeutic development. This initiative funds collaborative early-stage drug discovery projects, providing both funding and expert support to de-risk and validate targets or technologies. Projects are run jointly between the applicant’s academic laboratory and Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery teams, with shared decision-making and accountability throughout the process. The scheme aims to accelerate the translation of innovative cancer research into clinical applications that benefit patients. --- ## Due Dates - Expression of Interest deadline: October 3, 2025 - Recurring application rounds: February, June, and October each year --- ## Funding Amount - Up to £250,000 per project - Funding period: up to 18 months - Supports both academic and outsourced project costs, including staff time and running expenses --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be academic researchers based at any university or research institute worldwide. - Must have their own laboratory (i.e., be an established independent, early career, or mid-career researcher, or clinician/non-clinical researcher). - Open to global applicants; no requirement for UK affiliation. - Projects must be collaborative between the applicant’s lab and Cancer Research Horizons. - Not eligible: proposals limited to target identification using gene silencing/editing in commercial cell lines, preclinical studies for clinical trial initiation, drug product toxicology/formulation, early detection/diagnostic/prevention technology, hit finding, basic cancer biology, or exploratory resistance/combination/repurposing studies. --- ## Application Process 1. **Initial Discussion:** Contact the Therapeutic Catalyst team to discuss project fit and remit. 2. **Expression of Interest:** Submit via the [Flexi-Grant online system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/). 3. **Internal Review:** Expressions of interest are reviewed for therapeutic potential and feasibility. 4. **Full Proposal:** Successful applicants are invited to develop a collaborative proposal with an assigned Therapeutic Innovation scientist. 5. **Committee Review:** Full proposals are reviewed by an external committee of drug discovery experts. 6. **Rounds:** There are three application rounds per year (February, June, October). For detailed guidance, see [CRUK’s application information](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding). --- ## Additional Information - Projects must reach a significant inflection point within 18 months, generating robust validation and positioning for further investment. - Cancer Research Horizons provides access to additional expertise, resources, and potential commercial partners. - Additional support is available for applicants and grant holders with disabilities or long-term health conditions. See [Disability and Accessibility Support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/disability-and-accessibility-support-for-applicants-and-grant-holders). --- ## External Links - [Therapeutic Catalyst Scheme Details](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/therapeutic-catalyst) - [Cancer Research Horizons – Access Funding](https://www.cancerresearchhorizons.com/researchers/access-funding) - [Drug Discovery Research at CRUK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/translate-your-research/drug-discovery-research) - [Flexi-Grant Application Portal](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - [Disability and Accessibility Support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/disability-and-accessibility-support-for-applicants-and-grant-holders) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Enquiries/Remit Check | [therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk](mailto:therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk) | | Accessibility Support | [grants.helpline@cancer.org.uk](mailto:grants.helpline@cancer.org.uk) | | Funder Main Contact | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) \| +44 20 7242 0200 | ---

Therapeutic Catalyst - Cancer Research UK

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