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Translational funding opportunities from Cancer Research UK

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Therapeutic Catalyst

Application deadline

Applications are reviewed three times per year.

Next EOI deadline: 25 September 2026.

Award volume and duration

up to £350,000, up to 24 months

About the call

Provides funding and translational support to accelerate the development of novel cancer therapeutics based on small molecule and antibody-based approaches for adult cancers. Projects are delivered in collaboration with Cancer Research Horizons and are aimed at progressing promising discoveries towards therapeutic development.

The scheme now consists of two award streams:

Target Award

Up to £250,000 for 12-18 months

Supports:

  • identification of novel cancer targets;
  • validation of cancer targets and target dependency;
  • generation of evidence to support clinical positioning and future therapeutic development.

Early Therapy Award

Up to £350,000 for 18-24 months

Supports:

  • hit-identification-enabling activities;
  • assessment of target druggability;
  • progression and optimisation of early therapeutic projects;
  • advancement of novel small molecule and antibody-based therapeutic approaches.

How to apply

For more info on Expression of Interest (EOI), contact: Claire Heride therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk

Visit the CRUK website to apply

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Childhood Cancer Therapeutic Catalyst

Application deadline

Applications are reviewed twice per year.
Next EOI deadline: October 2026.

Award volume and duration

up to £250,000, up to 18 months

About the call

Supports translational drug discovery projects aimed at developing novel therapeutics for children and young people with cancer. Projects are delivered in collaboration with the Therapeutic Innovation team to validate and de-risk therapeutic opportunities. 

How to apply

For more info on Expression of Interest (EOI), contact Sheena Patel and therapeutic.catalyst@cancer.org.uk

Visit the CRUK website to apply

Cancer Research UK (CRUK) Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award

Application deadline

Applications are reviewed twice per year.

Latest deadline: 21 July 2026

Award volume and duration

Up to £2.5M, up to 5 years

About the call

Supports long-term, integrated programmes of exceptional science that aim to transform how and when early cancers and pre-cancerous states are detected and diagnosed.

How to apply

For more info contact early.detection@cancer.org.uk 

Visit the CRUK website to apply

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