Irish Cancer Society Early-Stage Clinician Research Bursary 2026

Apply now using our Grant Management System

Introduction

The purpose of the Early-Stage Clinician Research Bursary 2026 is to provide NCHDs with the opportunity to develop the skills, experience, networks and preliminary research activity required to establish a future career in cancer research. The award is focused on developing research skills and supporting career development, by funding a research project.

The Early-Stage Clinician Research Bursary Award 2026 aims to invest in the development of an early-career clinician planning to or currently undertaking training in a cancer-related discipline, enabling them to gain research skills, experience and capacity in cancer research. By fostering research development at this early stage of their clinical career, the award seeks to support the recipient's progression towards becoming a future leader in cancer research in the Republic of Ireland.

All proposals must be aligned with the Society's Strategy. Proposed activities can be in any of the following areas:

Translational biomedical research
Clinical research
Survivorship.

Funding and Duration

There are two awards available.

Each lead applicant may only be listed on one application for this award. Applicants may request funding of up to €10,000 to support cancer research and research development activities in any of the eligible areas (translational, clinical, or survivorship research). Proposed activities may be undertaken on either a full-time or part-time basis, with the duration of the award ranging from 3 to 18 months depending on the level of time commitment and the activities proposed.

Submission and Key Dates

Applications must be completed and submitted through the Irish Cancer Society’s new online grant management system. To submit an online application, you are required to register at the following address: https://irishcancersociety.optimytool.com/en.

Milestones:

Wednesday, 24th August 2026; Grant Call Opens
Wednesday, 24th of September at 3pm; Application Deadline
September- October 2026; Review of Applications
End of October 2026; Awardees Selected
November 2026; Earliest Grant Start

Please Note: the above dates are provisional and subject to change at the discretion of the Irish Cancer Society. Shortlisted applicants must be available to attend an interview (online) to be considered for this award.

For any questions about this call, please email grants@irishcancer.ie .