About this opportunity
Two of the most under addressed cancers now have a dedicated funding call behind them. Recognising the urgent need for progress in gastroesophageal cancer research, the Torrey Coast Foundation and Cancer Research UK have partnered with Cancer Grand Challenges to launch a targeted call that funds international teams bringing novel approaches, technologies and thinking to the field.
The call covers two specific challenges. The first asks researchers to understand and reverse the early tissue changes that lead to gastroesophageal cancers. The second asks them to determine the biological mechanisms behind the striking geographical variation in gastroesophageal cancer incidence. At least one team will be funded, with the final number depending on scientific quality and available funds, and selected teams can receive up to $34 million over a flexible time period, reflecting the scale and collaborative nature of the awards.
Teams, not individuals, are the unit of application. One Team Lead can bring up to seven Co-Investigators, and the team must be international, with no more than 50 per cent of the Co-Investigators and overall funding based in a single country. There is no requirement to be led by or include researchers based in the UK or the US, which leaves the call genuinely open to African research groups joining or leading global consortia. Disciplines welcomed include biomedical sciences, software development and technology, engineering and physical sciences, and behavioural, health, population and social sciences.
Before a full application, the Cancer Grand Challenges office expects a Letter of Interest to confirm the project sits within scope. Send it at least two weeks before the close, since the office needs time to confirm the project sits within scope and the team needs time to write the full application. Full applications close on 24 November 2026. Shortlisted teams interview with the Scientific Committee in New York City on 20 January 2027, successful teams are announced at the Cancer Grand Challenges Summit in March 2027, and research is expected to start in May 2027.
What you receive
- Up to $34 million in funding over a flexible time period
- Backing from the Torrey Coast Foundation and Cancer Research UK
- A Cancer Grand Challenges team identity with public recognition at the Summit
- Long term support structure designed around team science rather than single projects
Who can apply
- Global, interdisciplinary research teams
- One Team Lead and up to seven Co-Investigators
- International teams with no more than 50 per cent of Co-Investigators and overall funding based in a single country
- No requirement for the team to be led by or include members based in the UK or the US
- A Letter of Interest confirming the project is within scope before the full application
Who should not apply
- Individual applications without a team
- Teams where more than 50 per cent of Co-Investigators and funding sit in one country
- Proposals outside the two published gastroesophageal challenge questions
Documents to prepare
- A Letter of Interest for scope and eligibility review
- A full application describing the proposed research and team
- Details of the Team Lead and up to seven Co-Investigators and their home institutions
- A budget showing how funding is distributed across countries
How to apply
- Read both challenge questions and choose the one your team addresses
- Review the Application Guidelines on the Cancer Grand Challenges site
- Submit a Letter of Interest at least two weeks before 24 November 2026 to confirm eligibility
- Submit the full application through the official Cancer Grand Challenges application page before 24 November 2026
Selection process
- The Cancer Grand Challenges office reviews Letters of Interest and confirms whether a project is within scope
- The Scientific Committee assesses applications and shortlists teams on scientific quality
- Shortlisted teams interview in person with the Scientific Committee in New York City on 20 January 2027
- Successful teams are announced at the Cancer Grand Challenges Summit in March 2027 and are expected to start research in May 2027
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Is a Letter of Interest compulsory?
The office asks applicants to make contact with a Letter of Interest first, so it can confirm the proposed project is within scope. Send it at least two weeks before the full application closes.
Can a team include African researchers?
Yes. The call is open to global teams and there is no requirement that members be based in the UK or the US. The constraint is that no single country holds more than 50 per cent of Co-Investigators and funding.
How much can a funded team receive?
Selected teams can receive up to $34 million in funding over a flexible time period, and at least one team is expected to be funded in this call.
Important disclaimer
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