Cancer Research Society: Operating Grants
The Operating Grants support innovative, high-quality research projects that advance knowledge in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. This program provides funding to investigators pursuing studies that contribute to understanding cancer biology, improving therapeutic strategies and enhancing patient outcomes.
Projects should focus on advancing knowledge in one or more of the following five areas:
- Fundamental/basic cancer research
- Cancer prevention, including studies on biological mechanisms underlying risk and development
- Early translational research, such as preclinical models, biomarkers, imaging and treatment strategies
- Environmental causes of cancer, including viruses, pollutants, occupational factors, lifestyle and diet
- Cancer survivorship research, in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), to address toxicities and complications following treatment
Visit the Cancer Research Society website for more information on the Operating Grants.
Funding Value and Duration
Up to $70K per year for two years, for a total project cost of $140,000.
Indirect costs are not eligible.
Eligibility
Applicants and co-applicants must hold an academic appointment at a Canadian university or accredited institution to be eligible to apply for an Operating Grant. Applicants must have their own laboratory and the possibility of hiring students and postdoctoral fellows.
Clinical trials, applied research for the development or improvement of tools, psychosocial or social studies, healthcare economics, or other types of research not included in the main five areas are not eligible.
Special Considerations
- Applicants must provide a valid ORCID ID in the designated section of their ProposalCentral profile.
- Applicants may submit more than one Letter of Intent (LOI), but there will be a maximum of one new project proposal per main applicant. This limit does not apply to renewal applications.
Deadlines
- Faculty deadline: consult your Faculty Research Facilitator
- LOI deadline: December 10, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. (ET)
- Office of the Vice-President (Research, Innovation and International) (OVPRII) Approval Form deadline:
February 4, 2026 - Submission deadline: February 11, 2026 by 11:59 p.m. (ET)
Submitting Your Application
- Submit an internal Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch.
- Submit an external application to the Cancer Research Society by following their submission guidelines.
Contact Us
Katie Harriman: Katie.Harriman@carleton.ca