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

May 29, 2026 (Expression of interest) | September 25, 2026 (Expression of interest)

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

Supports collaborative early-stage drug discovery projects to accelerate development of novel cancer therapeutics from lab research to patient impact.

Open globally to academic researchers with independent labs; two-stage application process required.

--- ## Description The Therapeutic Catalyst scheme from Cancer Research UK accelerates the translation of laboratory discoveries into novel cancer therapeutics by funding exploratory drug discovery projects. The program is designed to validate and de-risk therapeutic targets, positioning projects for further drug discovery, licensing, or additional funding. Projects are run collaboratively between academic researchers and Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery laboratories, with support and guidance from assigned scientists throughout the proposal development and project execution phases. The ultimate goal is to ensure a clear route to patient benefit by advancing promising anti-tumoral single-agent therapeutics. --- ## Due Dates - May 29, 2026: Expression of interest submission deadline (Therapeutic Catalyst) - September 25, 2026: Expression of interest submission deadline (Therapeutic Catalyst) Applications are reviewed three times per year (typically February, June, and October). --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £250,000 per project - Project duration: Up to 18 months - Funding covers: Direct research costs, staff time, and associated running expenses, including resources external to the applicant’s lab and outsourced activities --- ## Eligibility - Open to academic researchers worldwide - Applicants must have their own laboratory and/or perform independent research at a university or research institute - Projects must focus on early-stage drug discovery for novel single-agent anti-cancer therapeutics - Suitable projects include: - Deconvolution and validation of novel targets and pathways - Novel therapeutic approaches to validated targets - Target identification (including development of platforms, assays, and screens) - Drug discovery feasibility and progression of advanced assets - Not suitable for: - Basic biological research, hit-finding, drug repositioning, combination studies, or preclinical development for clinical trial initiation - Projects solely using gene editing in commercial cell lines or those focused on diagnostics/prevention --- ## Application Process - **Stage 1: Expression of Interest** - Submit via the [Flexi-Grant online system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - Internal committee triages for therapeutic potential, eligibility, and strategic fit - **Stage 2: Full Proposal (by invitation)** - Assigned scientist from the Therapeutic Innovation team collaborates on proposal development - Final funding decision made by an independent review panel - Feedback is provided, but funding decisions are final; resubmissions only by committee recommendation - Applicants are encouraged to contact the Therapeutic Catalyst team for confidential pre-application discussions --- ## Additional Information - Intellectual property arising from the grant may be subject to special conditions; see [Therapeutic Catalyst special terms and conditions (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) - Reasonable accessibility adjustments are available throughout the application process - No resubmissions unless recommended by the review committee --- ## External Links - [Therapeutic Catalyst scheme overview](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/therapeutic-catalyst) - [Expression of interest form (Flexi-Grant)](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - [Costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Grant policies and guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance) - [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 | Contact | Details | |---------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Email (Therapeutic Catalyst) | [therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk](mailto:therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk) | | General CRUK Support | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | | Phone | 020 7242 0200 | | General Contact Page | [Contact Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) |

Therapeutic Catalyst

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