World Cancer Research Fund Grants Offer Up to £75,000

Overview

The INSPIRE Research Challenge 2026–27 is a competitive funding programme organized by World Cancer Research Fund International. This initiative supports innovative research addressing cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. Investigators worldwide can apply to examine important scientific questions related to nutrition, physical activity, body composition, and sleep, aligning their work with six designated priority research areas.

Who can apply

This opportunity is open to early-career researchers worldwide who hold a PhD or equivalent higher research degree awarded between 5 October 2019 and 13 November 2024 on a full-time-equivalent basis, with provisions to deduct officially authorized leave. Applicants must be actively working in research, hold a research contract within a department at a university-affiliated research institution or medical school, and secure the full support of their lead institution to administer the funds.

What you get

Successful applicants receive a grant of up to £75,000 to finance a research project lasting up to one year. The funds are awarded to support the approved project through an eligible lead institution rather than serving as an individual personal stipend or standalone PhD studentship.

How to apply

Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent online through the Proposal Central grant management platform by the specified deadline. Interested researchers need to review the programme guidelines, create an account on the platform, select the INSPIRE Research Challenge opportunity, complete the required application fields, and obtain necessary institutional approval prior to submission.

Key dates

The deadline to submit the first-stage Letter of Intent is 13 November 2026.