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Funding Opportunity




  Not Verified

Therapeutic Catalyst

Cancer Research UK

Key information

Career level

Established independent researcher

Early career researcher

Mid-career researcher

Clinician

Non-clinical researcher

Research area

Drug discovery

Immunotherapy

Pre-clinical research

 

Funding period

Up to 18 months

Funding amount

Up to £250k per project

The Therapeutic Catalyst accelerates the translation of laboratory discoveries into novel cancer therapeutics. Expression of interest deadline: 03 October 2025

Scientific remit

This scheme aims to de-risk early projects to facilitate further drug discovery research, funding, or partnering. We are seeking projects with strong therapeutic potential to deliver patient benefit.

We invite applications for early drug discovery proposals from across all cancer indications and modalities. Some examples of projects we might fund include the following areas:

  • deconvolution and validation of novel targets and pathways
  • novel therapeutic approaches to validated targets
  • development of platforms, assays and screens to identify novel cancer therapeutics or targets
  • drug discovery feasibility and progressing more advanced assets

Not in remit

The following types of projects are not within the remit of this scheme and will not be progressed:

  • target identification proposals based solely on the use of gene silencing or editing methods in commercially available tumour cell lines
  • preclinical development studies to initiate clinical trials (eg, bulk synthesis/manufacture to Good Manufacturing Practice, toxicology to Good Clinical Practice)
  • drug product toxicology, formulation and delivery
  • development of technology to address an area in early detection, diagnostic field or prevention
  • hit finding activities
  • basic biological research relating to cancer
  • exploratory studies to uncover the underpinning mechanisms of resistance to therapies, novel therapeutic combinations or drug repositioning/repurposing approaches

AI Based Application Success Predictor

🎯 1. Alignment with CRUK Strategy & Priorities

Proposals must clearly align with CRUK’s defined research priorities, such as earlier detection or targeting hard-to-treat cancers.

Selecting the right funding scheme (e.g., Project Grants, Career Establishment, Clinical Trials) is essential to remain eligible .

💡 2. Scientific Quality, Originality & Feasibility

Applications are evaluated on:

Originality: novel ideas answering important questions

Scientific rigour: thorough experimental design, clear objectives, potential pitfalls outlined, and use of preliminary data .

Feasibility: detailed methods (sample size, data analysis) 

👥 3. Team Composition & Applicant Track Record

Panels assess the expertise and cohesion of the research team—including collaborations outside core disciplines—and mentor-track record .

Reviewers need confidence in the lead applicant’s ability to deliver on the project aims 

💷 4. Value for Money & Budget Accuracy

Costing must be realistic and justified; budgets should reflect project requirements accurately.

CRUK emphasizes ensuring funds are well-used and impactful

👩‍🔬 5. Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Clinical and trial awards require evidence of meaningful PPI, including use of CRUK’s PPI toolkit 

Communicating trial relevance to patient reviewers is mandatory.

📊 6. Structured Peer Review & Panel Decision

Applications undergo rigorous external peer review and panel assessment; some schemes include interviews or stage gating, especially for fellowships and trials .

Up to ~47% success depends on scheme, e.g., ~19% for Care Establishment Awards, ~36% for Senior Fellowships .

✍️ 7. High-Quality Lay Summaries

Lay summaries are reviewed by public panels (e.g., Patient Advisory Committee or lay reviewers) and must clearly and compellingly explain relevance .

⚙️ 8. Complete, Compliant & Well-Written Applications

Follow CRUK guidance on formatting, portals, ethics statements, trial registration, and costing rules 

Drafting clear, concise abstracts and sections is critical for positive reviewer engagement .

📋 Summary Table

Success FactorMake it Happen By…
Strategic alignmentMap project aims to CRUK priority areas
Innovation & rigourInclude strong rationale, preliminary data, and analysis plan
Applicant and team strengthDemonstrate subject expertise and collaborative breadth
Realistic costingJustify all costs, engage grants office early
Patient involvementIntegrate PPI tools and evidence early in design
Lay-person clarityWrite compelling plain-language summary
Grant complianceMeet all documentation and portal requirements
Peer review preparationAnticipate criticisms and follow response framework

 

🧭 Final Takeaway

CRUK favors innovative, well-designed, and strategically-aligned proposals backed by strong teams and funding clarity, with meaningful patient involvement and seamless application compliance. Success hinges on anticipating both academic and lay reviewer expectations.

You should:

  • be an academic researcher based at any university or research institute world-wide 
  • have your own lab

This scheme is open to global applications. 

Eligible Countries:

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Cancer Research UK

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.

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Grant

Letter Of Intent Deadline:

Oct 03, 2025

Final Deadline:

Oct 03, 2025

Funding Amount:

$343,514

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