Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers
In the sections below you will find details of the latest round of the scheme, the launch event, and previous rounds of the scheme. If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest information please request to join our mailing list by emailing cancer_research@sheffield.ac.uk
- Round 5 (2026)
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.
Fellowships (internal and external candidates)
Cancer Research Transition Fellowships (up to 3 years, £350 K)
Small Grants Awards (Pump Priming)
Up to 2 years, ~£200 K
Please read the Guidance Document Outline Application Guidance Document_Pioneer Round 5 [Link will be provided on 13/10/2025] 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 [Link to follow]
Small Grants Award (Pump Priming) [Link to follow]
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 here: https://forms.gle/LPtrWq27DWDwURQa7 by 5pm on Friday 12th December 2025. A word version of the Google form is available here [Link to follow] 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.
Fri 12th Dec 2025 at 5 pm Deadline for submission of Internal Outline Applications Weds 25th Feb 2026 Full applications open (for those invited to submit) Mon 4th May 2026 Deadline for receipt of costings from external organisations Weds 6th May 2026 Deadline for costing entry onto the Costings and Award Tool / Response to Reviewer Comments Weds 13th May 2026 Deadline for requesting institutional and Financial signoff Weds 20th May 2026, noon Deadline for submission of the full application to YCR 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
- Launch Event - Round 5
The launch event for Round 5 of Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers will be on Monday 13th October, 11.30 - 12.30, Seminar Room 1, The Wave. Online attendance is also available.
- Previous Rounds
Details of previous round of Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers can be found here: