We fund discovery research.
We have invested in over 2,000 research projects led by visionary scientists around the world since 1979. You could be next.
Our vision is to see a day when no life is cut short by cancer. We believe that this can only be achieved through research.
Many of the projects we have funded have already helped improve the lives of people with cancer, and others are opening up entirely new areas of cancer research. But we know that there is still so much more work to be done.
That is where you come in.
Wherever you are in the world, and whatever type of cancer you research, if your best idea meets our funding criteria, we want to hear from you.
Ready to apply?
Our 2025 Grant Round is now open and you can submit your idea from the 27th February. The Grant Round will close on 31st March 2025 at 16:00 UTC or if we reach our 500 applications limit.
Looking for more information on submitting your brightest idea?
Explore top tips on crafting a compelling application from the experts on our Scientific Advisory Committee, and view the links below for information on preparing your submission. We also have new funding Terms and Conditions which can be found in our Application Handbook.
FAQ’s about applying
If you're looking for Funding FAQs, click here.
When will you open your grant round?
Our Grant Round becomes visible in mid-February and we expect the submission window to be open from the 27th February. To be the first to know when our grant round opens, please register to our grant system, if you have not already, so we can email you when the grant round opens. Successful applicants will be notified in early November.
Do you typically reach your application cap of 500?
Usually, we do not receive 500 applications, but we cannot provide any guarantees. In 2024, we reached the 500 application cap on the final day of submission. The number of submitted grants is visible on the bottom of our grant system. Please note that your application will only officially be submitted after the approval from your Head of Department and Authorising Officer.
What is your success rate?
Around a third of our applications pass preliminary triage. If your application passes preliminary triage the success rate is approximately 21%. As we fund discovery research into any type of cancer globally, our prestigious funding is extremely competitive. Our overall success rate is around 6%, so it is really important to ensure your application meets our research strategy to increase your chance of success. Please see our exemplar application and top tips from our Scientific Advisory Committee to help you craft a compelling application.
My organization is not on the system, how can I add it?
If your organisation is not registered on our system, the research funding team will need to confirm the details of your organisation before we can register it. Please email the following information to [email protected]
- Legal name of organisation
- Main telephone number
- Central address
- Category of the institution (e.g. university, hospital, research facility, etc)
- Proof of the non-profit status (preferably by providing us with a weblink to text where the non-profit status is referred to)
Can I claim my own salary?
Yes, if you are a post-doctoral researcher with 3-10 years post-doctoral experience at the time of application who is trying to establish independence you can apply for your own salary. For further information, see section 2.4 and 2.5 of the application handbook.
I am a PhD student or a postdoc with less than 3 years’ experience, can I still apply for funding?
No, please note that if you are a PhD student or a researcher with less than 3 years of post-doctoral research experience you are not eligible to apply for our grant funding and cannot register to our system. Alternatively, your PI can apply to our funding and can name you as a staff member working on the project. For further information, see section 2.4 of the application handbook.
Can I use artificial intelligence in my application?
Yes, but we expect all use of generative AI tools in applications to be acknowledged whether this is for the scientific aspects or aid in writing.
Please be careful when using AI tools and never input sensitive information or personal data without formal consent. All AI tools need to be used responsibly in accordance with relevant legal and ethical standards.
Can I resubmit my grant?
Yes, you can resubmit your grant if your application passed preliminary triage in the previous grant round. You may only resubmit a grant once. For further information, see section 2.12 and 2.13 of the application handbook. If your grant did not pass preliminary triage, you can submit an application that is significantly different from your previous research proposal. For further information, see section 2.11 of the application handbook.
Can I claim research costs for a co-applicant at a different institution?
There is no requirement to partner with, or have a collaborator at, another institution to apply. However you can apply for a grant where research will take place at multiple institutions and we fund research anywhere worldwide. If your application is successful, Worldwide Cancer Research only pays the institute of the principal investigator, and a chargeback agreement has to be put in place between the PI institution and the co-applicant’s institution.
What type of refencing should I use in my grant application?
We have no preference for a style of reference such as Harvard or Vancouver. It is up to the discretion of the applicant to choose a referencing style of their preference.
Explore our Research Strategy
Our Research Strategy sets out five strategic aims to achieve our vision of reaching a day when no life is cut short by cancer.
