Deadline: 21-Aug-2026
The Tour de Cure Annual Grants Round 2026–2027 provides funding for cancer research, prevention, and support projects across Australia. The programme supports early career researchers, PhD scholars, and cancer scientists through research grants, scholarships, and the Prof Richard Scolyer Award for Brain Cancer Research across all cancer types.
About Tour de Cure Annual Grants Round
The Tour de Cure Annual Grants Round is a major Australian funding initiative supporting projects that aim to improve cancer outcomes through research, prevention, and patient support.
The programme focuses on:
- Advancing cancer research
- Supporting emerging cancer researchers
- Funding innovative scientific projects
- Improving cancer prevention strategies
- Strengthening cancer care and support initiatives
Tour de Cure is a cancer-agnostic organisation, meaning applications are welcomed across all cancer types rather than focusing on one specific disease area.
Purpose of the 2026–2027 Grants Round
The 2026–2027 funding round aims to accelerate discoveries and support researchers working towards better cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and care.
The programme particularly focuses on:
- Early career cancer researchers
- PhD students conducting cancer research
- Innovative research approaches
- High-impact cancer projects
- Brain cancer research initiatives
The round also recognises the contribution of Professor Richard Scolyer, a leading pathologist and cancer researcher, through a dedicated brain cancer research award.
Available Grant Categories
Applicants can apply under different funding categories based on their career stage and research focus.
Early Career Research Grants
The Early Career Research Grants support emerging cancer researchers developing innovative research projects.
These grants aim to:
- Build research capacity among early career scientists
- Support new cancer research ideas
- Encourage future leaders in cancer research
- Advance discoveries with potential clinical impact
Eligible researchers should demonstrate strong research potential and a commitment to improving cancer outcomes.
PhD Scholarships
The PhD Scholarships support doctoral students undertaking cancer-related research.
The scholarships aim to:
- Encourage the next generation of cancer researchers
- Support high-quality doctoral research
- Develop scientific expertise in cancer research fields
PhD applicants must meet specific citizenship or residency requirements.
Prof Richard Scolyer Award for Brain Cancer Research
The Prof Richard Scolyer Award for Brain Cancer Research supports innovative research focused on brain cancer.
This award is open to:
- Early career researchers
- Mid-career researchers
- Senior researchers
The award recognises the importance of advancing understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of brain cancer.
Research Areas Supported
Tour de Cure accepts applications across all cancer types.
Supported research areas may include:
- Cancer prevention
- Early detection
- Cancer biology
- New treatment approaches
- Translational research
- Patient care improvements
- Cancer support programmes
- Brain cancer research
Who Is Eligible?
The grants are available to:
- Australian-based researchers
- Australian institutions
- Research organisations
- Eligible PhD scholars
- Cancer research professionals
Researcher Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be based in Australia
- Conduct projects within Australia
- Meet the eligibility requirements for their selected grant category
- Demonstrate research excellence and potential impact
PhD Scholarship Requirements
PhD applicants must meet additional requirements related to:
- Citizenship status
- Residency status
- Doctoral research eligibility
Institution Eligibility and Application Limits
Institutions can submit applications according to category limits.
Requirements include:
- Maximum of two applications per grant category from each institution
- No submission limit applies for PhD Scholarship applications
Both individuals and institutions may participate depending on the grant category.
Why This Funding Matters
Cancer research requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in emerging scientists.
Tour de Cure grants help:
- Support promising researchers
- Accelerate cancer discoveries
- Develop future scientific leaders
- Improve cancer prevention and treatment
- Address complex cancer challenges
By investing in researchers at different career stages, the programme strengthens Australia’s cancer research ecosystem.
Selection Process
Tour de Cure follows a rigorous and transparent evaluation process.
Applications are assessed by the Tour de Cure Grants Committee based on merit.
The selection process includes two main stages:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest.
The EOI is reviewed to determine:
- Research relevance
- Scientific potential
- Eligibility
- Alignment with programme objectives
Stage 2: Full Application
Shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a detailed application.
The full application provides additional information about:
- Research methodology
- Expected outcomes
- Impact potential
- Project feasibility
How to Apply for Tour de Cure Grants
Step 1: Select the Appropriate Grant Category
Applicants should choose the category that matches their career stage:
- Early Career Research Grant
- PhD Scholarship
- Prof Richard Scolyer Award for Brain Cancer Research
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
Applicants should check:
- Australian location requirements
- Career stage requirements
- Institutional eligibility
- Research area alignment
Step 3: Submit Expression of Interest
Applicants submit an initial EOI explaining:
- Research idea
- Cancer focus area
- Expected impact
- Applicant background
Step 4: Submit Full Application if Shortlisted
Selected applicants complete the full application process with detailed project information.
Step 5: Grant Assessment and Decision
Applications are reviewed by experts based on quality, innovation, feasibility, and potential impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Submitting projects outside Australia
- Applying under the wrong grant category
- Failing to explain research impact
- Providing unclear project objectives
- Ignoring eligibility requirements
- Submitting incomplete applications
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their proposals by:
- Clearly explaining the cancer problem being addressed
- Demonstrating innovation and research importance
- Highlighting potential patient benefits
- Providing realistic project plans
- Showing research capability and experience
- Explaining long-term impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Tour de Cure Annual Grants Round?
The Tour de Cure Annual Grants Round is an Australian funding programme supporting cancer research, prevention, and support projects.
Which cancer types are eligible for funding?
The programme is cancer-agnostic and accepts research proposals related to all cancer types.
Who can apply for Tour de Cure grants?
Australian-based researchers, institutions, and eligible PhD scholars can apply depending on the grant category.
What grant categories are available?
The programme offers Early Career Research Grants, PhD Scholarships, and the Prof Richard Scolyer Award for Brain Cancer Research.
Is the brain cancer award only for early career researchers?
No. The Prof Richard Scolyer Award is open to early, mid, and senior career researchers.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed on merit by the Tour de Cure Grants Committee through an Expression of Interest stage followed by a full application stage.
Can institutions submit multiple applications?
Institutions may submit up to two applications per grant category, except for PhD Scholarships, where there is no submission limit.
Conclusion
The Tour de Cure Annual Grants Round 2026–2027 provides vital support for advancing cancer research, prevention, and care in Australia. By funding early career researchers, PhD scholars, and experienced scientists, the programme helps develop innovative solutions and strengthen efforts to improve outcomes for people affected by cancer.
For more information, visit Tour de Cure.