Call for applications: World Cancer Research Fund International opens 2025/2026 grant cycle

The World Cancer Research Fund International (WCRFI), a UICC member and partner, is offering two funding opportunities to support research into the role of diet, nutrition (including body composition), physical activity, and other modifiable factors in cancer prevention and survivorship.

The Regular Grant Programme (RGP) is aimed at senior established researchers based outside the Americas. In addition to the standard research remit, this year’s call welcomes studies on environmental exposures relevant to cancer, where such exposures are ingested—either through diet or drinking water. The grant supports investigator-initiated projects addressing key evidence gaps, with the goal of informing policy and practice.

Alongside this, the INSPIRE Research Challenge (IRC) supports short-term (12-month) projects led by early career researchers, defined as those 2-7 years post-PhD or equivalent. Open to applicants globally, the INSPIRE call includes an expanded remit in 2025, inviting proposals that investigate additional modifiable exposures including sleep, stress, immune function, and environmental factors.

Applications for both calls will open at 08:00 GMT/UTC on 8 September 2025 and close at 17:00 GMT/UTC on 4 November 2025.

Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria, scientific remit, and guidance documentation in detail before preparing submissions. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications in January 2026 for INSPIRE and February for the Regular Grant Programme.

Full information, including how to apply and frequently asked questions, is available via the World Cancer Research Fund International website. Enquiries should be directed to:

• research@wcrf.org for the Regular Grant Programme
• inspire@wcrf.org for the INSPIRE Research Challenge