Application Deadline:
13 November 2026
About Organisation
World Cancer Research Fund International is a global cancer research organisation working to advance scientific understanding of cancer prevention and survivorship. Through its international network, the organisation supports research into how nutrition, physical activity, body composition and other lifestyle factors influence cancer risk and outcomes for people living with or beyond cancer.
About the Grant
The INSPIRE Research Challenge is a funding initiative designed to support early-career researchers with innovative and ambitious ideas that could accelerate progress in cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship. The programme encourages bold research proposals that address important evidence gaps and have the potential to generate meaningful advances in cancer science.
For the 2026–27 funding round, research proposals must address at least one of six priority areas: integrative oncology; lifestyle and weight-loss medications; early-onset cancers; early-life exposures; ingested contaminants; and ultra-processed foods.
The programme seeks scientifically rigorous projects that can improve understanding of modifiable cancer risk factors and support better prevention, treatment and survivorship outcomes. Selected researchers can receive up to £75,000 for a project lasting up to one year.
Who can Apply?
The call is open to early-career researchers worldwide, including eligible researchers based in India. Applicants must generally be within two to seven years of receiving their PhD or equivalent higher research degree, calculated according to the programme’s full-time-equivalent research experience requirements.
The lead applicant must be employed on a research contract within a department at a university-affiliated research institution or medical school conducting research. Proposed projects must have direct relevance to cancer prevention, treatment or survivorship and must align with at least one of the six research priority areas..
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent through the official ProposalCentral grant-management platform. Researchers should first review the INSPIRE guidelines, applicant FAQs and research priority areas.
The application should clearly describe the research question, scientific rationale, methodology, expected outcomes and relevance to cancer prevention, treatment or survivorship. Applicants must create a ProposalCentral account if they do not already have one. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to submit a full proposal at a later stage.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 13 November 2026
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the grant website here.
