Applications are open for the WCRF International 2026–27 Grant Programme, offering research funding for projects that can help strengthen the evidence base around cancer prevention and contribute to improved understanding of cancer risk and prevention.

This year's programme brings together grant opportunities across the WCRF International network, including World Cancer Research Fund UK, Wereld Kanker Onderzoek Fonds and the American Institute for Cancer Research. The expanded programme is designed around six priority research areas identified through evidence gaps highlighted by the Global Cancer Update Programme, WCRF's strategic objectives and consultation with scientific stakeholders.

About the Grant Programme

The WCRF International Grant Programme supports research addressing important unanswered questions related to cancer prevention.

For the 2026–27 funding round, WCRF International is placing particular emphasis on six priority areas. The programme also expands the range of eligible research exposures, with sleep included as a modifiable risk exposure for the first time in this year's Research Grant Programme.

The funding programme includes opportunities for established investigators as well as early-career researchers.

Funding Schemes

The 2026–27 programme includes three main funding schemes:

Investigator Initiated Grant

The Investigator Initiated Grant supports researchers developing research projects that address important questions within WCRF International's cancer-prevention research priorities.

Pilot and Feasibility Grant

The Pilot and Feasibility Grant provides an opportunity to investigate promising research ideas and generate preliminary evidence that can support larger future studies.

INSPIRE Research Challenge

The INSPIRE Research Challenge is designed specifically for early-career researchers, providing an opportunity to develop research addressing important cancer-prevention questions while building their research experience.

2026–27 Research Priorities

The calls have been developed around six priority areas identified through evidence gaps from the Global Cancer Update Programme, WCRF's strategic objectives and consultation with scientific stakeholders.

Researchers are encouraged to review the specific call documentation to determine which priority area and funding scheme best match their proposed research.

The programme covers research relevant to cancer prevention and modifiable risk factors, with sleep newly included as an eligible modifiable risk exposure in the 2026–27 Research Grant Programme.

Why Apply?

The WCRF International grants provide researchers with an opportunity to contribute to the evidence base informing cancer prevention and to investigate research questions where important knowledge gaps remain.

Depending on the scheme, applicants can pursue investigator-led research, develop pilot or feasibility studies, or undertake research through the early-career INSPIRE Research Challenge.

The programme also brings together funding opportunities across the WCRF International network, creating a broader research funding platform for the 2026–27 cycle.

Application Deadline

The WCRF International 2026–27 grant call closes at 5:00 PM GMT, Friday, November 13, 2026

Applicants are encouraged to review the individual grant requirements and prepare their submissions before the deadline.

Interested researchers can review the official WCRF International information and application guidance for the relevant funding scheme.

Regular Grant Programme

https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-grant-programmes/regular-grant-programme/

INSPIRE Research Challenge

https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-grant-programmes/inspire-research-challenge/

FAQs for research grant applications

https://www.wcrf.org/research-policy/our-grant-programmes/faqs-for-research-grant-applications/