Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers

We are pleased to announce the internal processes for Round 5 of the Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers schemes.  This is a strategic research fund ringfenced for the University of Sheffield.  This is one of two funds ringfenced for the University of Sheffield by Yorkshire Cancer Research - the other fund is called More Life to Live.   

Funding streams in Round 5:

1. Fellowships (internal and external candidates)

• Cancer Research Transition Fellowships (up to 3 years, £350k)

• Cancer Research Doctoral (CRD) Fellowships (up to 4 years, £350k)

2. Small Grants Awards (Pump Priming) 

• Up to 2 years, ~£200k

3. Doctoral Training Programme

• £3.5M, to be led by Professor Alison Gartland

To Apply

Please read the Outline Application Guidance Document_Pioneer Round 5  before completing the Internal Outline Application.  This contains key information to help you choose schemes, and to understand the scope and remit of different calls, eligibility criteria, internal processes, timelines and support contact details.

Complete the appropriate Internal Outline Application Form with your collaborators:  

Fellowship Awards

Small Grants Award (Pump Priming)

Doctoral training Programme

These forms are read only, please save a copy on your own device to work on.  

There is no need for approved costings for Internal Outline Applications.   You can download a copy of the YCR Pioneer Costing Calculator Oct 2025 to estimate costs for your proposal.  

Once you have completed your application form you will need to complete and submit the Google Form [Link to be provided on 04/11/2025] by 5pm on Friday 12th December 2025.  A word version of the Google form is available here Google Form - Word Version so that you know what questions will be required. You will need to attach the following:

• Your Internal Outline Application Form (in Word Format) 

• Your CV (Fellowship Applications only)

• Any previous review comments for your proposal (for applications that have been previously submitted to YCR or elsewhere)

You will received an email confirming receipt your online submission.  This email will include a link that will enable you to edit your application up until the deadline.  You may also share this link with others to help with completion of the application.

Your application will then be reviewed internally (see Internal Review Panel Terms of Reference for more details on the process used). You will receive a clear go/no-go about whether or not you can proceed to develop a full application by Wednesday 25th February 2026.

Those given a go decision can then develop their full application for submission to YCR on 20th May 2026 at noon.

Full applications to YCR Sheffield Pioneers are submitted to Yorkshire Cancer Research but are assessed on excellence by Worldwide Cancer Research.   Details of the panel are available here. 
 

Important dates

FAQs

Please check the  FAQs document  for more guidance on applying to the scheme - this will be updated as further questions are answered.  If you have any further questions you can contact ycr_schemes@sheffield.ac.uk

The launch event for Round 5 of Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers took place on Monday 13th October 2025.   Below are the Slides and a recording of the presentation.  Unfortunately the recording during the Q&A section is unclear due to internet connection stability issues.  A summary of the questions is also included.  

Launch Event Powerpoint Slides

Launch Event Questions

Details of previous round of Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers can be found here:

Round 1 (2022)

Round 2 (2023)

Round 3 (2024)

Round 4 (2025)