Research Grant Call 2026

The latest call for Pelican research grant funding will be open on the 4th August 2026, closing 4th September 2026. All applications submitted will be reviewed by our independent Research Review Panel.

The Pelican Cancer Foundation (PCF) will be pleased to invite submissions for the 2026/2027 Pelican Research Grants in August 2026. Awards of up to £10,000 will be considered by the Pelican Board on the recommendation of the Pelican Research Review Panel (PRRP) who will assess and peer review applications. The awards are aimed at providing seed funding to support an innovative research project or pilot study related to the aims of the charity in the field of colorectal cancer and associated metastatic diseases, such as liver or peritoneal metastases.

Proposals should align with the following Pelican research priorities:

• Clinically focused research that advances accurate diagnosis, precision surgery and treatment of colorectal cancer including colorectal metastases.
• Studies that focus on the multidisciplinary management of colorectal cancer.
• Translational research for the treatment of colorectal cancer and associated metastases.
• Research that can contribute to education programmes for multi-disciplinary cancer teams.

Grants are available where the principal investigator is based in a recognised UK research centre, university or hospital. Centres outside the UK will be considered if the application is partnered with a project within the UK.

Funding

Funding can be used to fund staff salaries, for data management, statistical support and for research consumables and running costs directly attributable to the project. Successful applications will be eligible for inclusion in the NIHR portfolio.

Evaluation Process

Research grants will be selected for funding based on their scientific quality as determined by formal external peer review. This review will consider the track record of the research team and the potential of the project to deliver patient benefit. We welcome applications that can provide some element of co-funding to the directly incurred costs. Applications will be triaged for suitability internally then selected applications will then be sent for peer review by an independent external panel. A short interview will be conducted with shortlisted applicants (virtual - time and date TBC). The highest scoring applications will be selected for funding. Panel feedback will also be offered to the applicants upon request.

How to apply

Please complete the following Application Form and EDI Policy and submit via email:

Application Form here

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Policy  here

For Information:

Guidance Notes of how to apply here

Peer Review Panel Terms of Reference here

Research Conflict of Interest Policy here

All of the above documentation reviewed July 2026