Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers

This round will open on 3rd November 2026.

We are pleased to announce the internal processes for Round 6 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 6:

1. Fellowships (internal and external candidates)

• Cancer Research Advanced Fellowships (up to 5 years, £1.25M)

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

2. Project Awards

• Up to 3 years, £100k - £1M

3. Small Grants Awards (Pump Priming)

• Up to 2 years, ~£200k

To Apply

Please read the Outline Application Guidance Document for Yorkshire Cancer Research Pioneers Round 6 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.

Outline Application Form Guidance document

Complete the appropriate Internal Outline Application Form with your collaborators:  

Outline Application Form: Fellowship Awards

Outline Application Form: Project and Small Grant Awards Form

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 Pioneers Costing Calculator Oct 2026 to estimate costs for your proposal.  

Once you have completed your application form you will need to complete and submit the Google Form by 5pm on Friday 11th December 2026.   Google Form to submit your Outline Application (opens 3 Nov 2026)

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 Yorkshire Cancer Research or elsewhere)

You will receive 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 24th February 2027.

Those given a go decision can then develop their full application for submission to Yorkshire Cancer Research on 19th May 2027 at noon.

Full applications to Yorkshire Cancer Research 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 6 of Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers takes place on Wednesday 14th October 2026.   We will upload the slides and a recording of the presentation when available.   A summary of the questions will also be included. 

Sign up for the launch event

Launch Event Recording [to be added when available]

Launch Event Powerpoint Slides [to be added when available]

Launch Event Questions [to be added when available]

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)

Round 5 (2026)