Exploration Call

Please note: the information below applies to Call 2027-1. This will be KWF's final project-based call for proposals for basic research. From 2028 onwards, KWF will transition from primarily project-based funding within the Exploration Call to Research Group Funding for selected research groups. For more information, see our announcement [NL].

Call 2027-1 will continue under the current project-based funding model. The transition to Research Group Funding does not affect the scope, eligibility criteria, review process or funding conditions of Call 2027-1.

Introduction

Basic research serves as the wellspring of innovation, driven by undirected curiosity. Our commitment is to empower researchers, providing them with opportunities to uncover new insights. Recognizing that fundamental knowledge is paramount to pioneering breakthroughs in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment, we steadfastly invest in the exploration of knowledge and skills. This dedication ensures continued progress in the fight against cancer.

Aim

The Exploration Call is dedicated to fundamental research that uncovers the underlying biological mechanisms that drive the onset, growth, and spread of cancer, and the psychosocial mechanisms that shape its impact. Its aim is to address knowledge gaps, generate new scientific insights, and identify new leads and targets for preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and supportive purposes.

Scope

The Exploration Call is intended for project proposals within the Basic research and Credentialing research phases:

• Basic Research (research phase 1) 
  Basic research encompasses obtaining fundamental insights into the origin and progression of cancer and its psychosocial effects, providing the foundation for advances in prevention, diagnostics, and treatment. It also includes methodological and technological innovations that enable or strengthen future research and applications.
• Credentialing (research phase 2) 
  Credentialing (or collecting credentials, evidence, confirmation) aims at identifying (discovering) factors, targets and leads that could influence or improve prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and quality of life. Examples are the discovery of targets and biomarkers or compound or drug screenings. Observational and population studies can also be part of the credentialing phase, as well as cross-sectional research, retrospective and/or prospective cohort studies and case-control studies. The credentialing phase also includes validating the identified factors, targets or leads, and preliminary testing whether the creation of a modality is possible.

Terms and conditions

• The KWF Funding Conditions 2025 and the KWF Accountants Protocol 2025 apply (see Downloads).
   
• Please refer to the KWF Guidelines and the FAQ (see Downloads) for further details on the process, characteristics, and eligibility terms applicable to the open Exploration call
   
• Projects that have been submitted under the wrong call due to incorrect phase classification will consequently be rejected during the Eligibility Check. It is the responsibility of the project leader to ensure that the proposal is submitted under the appropriate call.
  
  Why is this important?  
  Choosing the correct phase ensures that:
  • The appropriate application form is used; this form meets the specific requirements of Exploration proposals.
  • Your proposal is reviewed by the correct committee, this ensures the most accurate review of your proposal.
     
• As outlined in the KWF Guidelines (see Downloads):
  • If your proposal spans multiple research phases, please choose the phase that best reflects the central focus and primary objectives of the study.
  • For applications involving an interventive prospective study, the clinical phase should be selected as the research phase.
  • For further details, please refer to the Guidelines

We strongly emphasize that selecting the appropriate research phase is the applicant’s responsibility and is essential for a smooth and effective review process.

Apply for funding

Research proposals can be submitted through our Grant Management System (KWF GMS). 

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Participating institutes not yet registered must submit a request through KWF-GMS at least 6 weeks prior to the call's closing date.
• Please refer to the Guidelines for further details on the process, characteristics, and eligibility terms applicable to the open Exploration call
• The KWF Funding Conditions 2025 and the KWF Accountants Protocol 2025 apply (see Downloads).

Pre-proposal & full-proposal

This Exploration call includes a pre-proposal phase. An example of the pre-proposal template is available for reference (see below), but please do not use this template to submit. At the opening of the call, you must register and download the most recent version of the pre-proposal template in our Grant Management System (KWF-GMS).

Download example forms

Timeline Call 2027-1

Review process

The review process spans around six months and comprises various stages, including internal review by KWF, a board review by our Exploration Committee and external review by (inter)national referees.

After reviewing the pre-proposals, applicants will be informed of the results. Only applicants with a positively evaluated pre-proposal will be invited to submit a full proposal. 

More information

Please contact our Help Desk.