Deadline: 18-May-2026
The King Baudouin Foundation offers funding to advance cancer research through innovative, high-impact projects. Grants of up to €225,000 over three years support early-career post-doctoral researchers in Belgium exploring fundamental, pre-clinical, and translational cancer mechanisms using novel approaches such as ex vivo models or single-cell omics.
What is the Cancer Research Grant?
This initiative funds high-quality scientific research focused on understanding cancer biology and mechanisms. The programme prioritizes studies that are innovative, interdisciplinary, and have strong translational potential.
Key Focus Areas Include:
- Biochemical mechanisms in cancer, including protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions
- Tumor heterogeneity and metastasis
- Novel experimental models, including ex vivo systems
- High-resolution single-cell omics techniques
- Interdisciplinary and international collaborations
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include:
- Early-career post-doctoral researchers with up to eight years of active research experience post-PhD (career breaks considered)
- Researchers holding at least a 50% appointment at a Belgian university or not-for-profit research center
- Projects must be initiated and coordinated in Belgium
Collaborations across disciplines and countries are encouraged to enhance research scope and impact.
How the Fund Works
Funding and Implementation:
- Two research projects will be supported in 2026
- Maximum grant per project: €225,000
- Project duration: three years
Project Expectations:
- Conduct innovative research addressing fundamental or translational cancer questions
- Demonstrate methodological rigor, including novel experimental approaches
- Highlight potential scientific impact and contribution to the field
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange both within Belgium and internationally
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding the eight-year post-PhD eligibility window without justification
- Proposing projects not coordinated or initiated in Belgium
- Submitting applications lacking methodological innovation or translational relevance
- Failing to demonstrate capacity for interdisciplinary or collaborative work
How to Apply
- Develop a research proposal focused on biochemical, pre-clinical, or translational cancer studies
- Ensure eligibility criteria are met, including appointment status and research experience
- Outline innovative methodologies such as ex vivo models or single-cell omics
- Include a plan for interdisciplinary or international collaboration where applicable
- Submit the proposal through the King Baudouin Foundation application portal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who can apply? Early-career post-doctoral researchers in Belgium with up to eight years post-PhD experience.
- What is the maximum funding? €225,000 per project over three years.
- How many projects will be funded? Two projects in 2026.
- Are interdisciplinary collaborations allowed? Yes, interdisciplinary and international collaborations are encouraged.
- Can researchers outside Belgium apply? No, projects must be initiated and coordinated in Belgium.
- What research approaches are prioritized? Novel ex vivo models, high-resolution single-cell omics, and innovative biochemical studies.
- How is success measured? By scientific quality, methodological innovation, translational potential, and research impact.
Conclusion
The King Baudouin Foundation Cancer Research Grant empowers early-career researchers in Belgium to pursue innovative, high-impact cancer studies. By supporting interdisciplinary approaches and novel methodologies, the programme strengthens scientific exploration and contributes to advancing knowledge and treatment strategies in oncology.
For more information, visit King Baudouin Foundation.