[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

Supports collaborative, early-stage drug discovery projects to translate laboratory discoveries into novel single-agent cancer therapeutics.

Expression of interest required; scheme is open globally to academic researchers leading independent labs.

--- ## Description This scheme accelerates the translation of laboratory discoveries into novel cancer therapeutics by supporting exploratory drug discovery projects focused on validating and de-risking targets for the development of innovative single-agent anti-cancer treatments. Projects are collaborative, involving academic researchers and Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery laboratories, with dedicated support from the Therapeutic Innovation team throughout proposal development and project execution. The primary goal is to achieve significant validation milestones within an 18-month period, positioning projects for further drug discovery, licensing, or additional funding. --- ## 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, staff time (research or technical), and associated running expenses. Funding may also cover external and outsourced activities as set out in the scheme's cost guidance. --- ## Eligibility - Open to academic researchers at any university or research institute worldwide. - Applicants must lead an independent research lab or perform independent research. - Projects must be collaborative with Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery laboratories. - The scheme is open to global applications. ### Suitable Projects - Early-stage drug discovery proposals for novel single-agent anti-cancer therapeutics. - Projects with strong therapeutic potential and clear patient benefit. - Areas supported include: - Deconvolution and validation of novel targets and pathways - Novel therapeutic approaches to validated targets - Target identification projects (platforms, assays, screens) - Drug discovery feasibility and progression of more advanced assets ### Not Supported - Target identification based solely on gene silencing/editing in commercial tumor cell lines - Hit-finding activities, basic biological research, or mechanism studies of therapeutic resistance - Therapeutic combination studies, drug repositioning/repurposing, or preclinical development for clinical trials - Drug product toxicology, formulation, delivery, or technology development for early detection, diagnostics, or prevention --- ## Application Process - **Two-stage process:** 1. **Expression of Interest:** Submit via [Flexi-Grant](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/). An internal committee reviews for eligibility, feasibility, and strategic fit. 2. **Full Proposal:** If invited, applicants work with an assigned Therapeutic Innovation scientist to develop a detailed, costed proposal and timeline. Final funding decisions are made by an external review panel. - Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the Therapeutic Catalyst team for a confidential discussion before applying. - No resubmissions are allowed unless recommended by the review committee. - Reasonable adjustments for accessibility are available throughout the process. --- ## Additional Information - Intellectual property (IP) generated in collaboration with Cancer Research Horizons may be subject to special terms; review the [special conditions document (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) for details. - Projects must reach a critical validation milestone within 18 months to be eligible for further progression. - Direct costs are funded in the UK; see [costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants). - Feedback is provided, but panel decisions are final. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details and Application Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/therapeutic-catalyst) - [Flexi-Grant Application Portal](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) - [Special Terms and Conditions (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/3A3JgKKJPcwHsbkeAUfigl/0479f369150168b0639a4d8ec7e791a5/cruk_therapeutic_catalyst_scheme_-_special_conditions_oct2024.pdf) - [Research 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 | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General/Eligibility | therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk | | Funder general contact | supporter.services@cancer.org.uk | | Funder phone | 020 7242 0200 | | Funder contact page | [Contact Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) | ---

Therapeutic Catalyst

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