FIGHT KIDS CANCER Competitive Call for Paediatric Cancer Research

Deadline: 13-Oct-2026

FIGHT KIDS CANCER is inviting proposals for clinical and translational research projects designed to improve outcomes for children and adolescents with cancer across Europe. The 2026–2027 call supports innovative research projects across all areas of paediatric cancer. The programme aims to accelerate progress in cancer treatment, improve survival rates and quality of life, strengthen scientific capacity, and promote collaboration among European researchers. Funding of up to €5,000,000 is available for eligible Clinical Trials, while Clinical Trial Preparation Grants can receive up to €250,000 and Translational Research Projects can receive up to €2,000,000.

About FIGHT KIDS CANCER

FIGHT KIDS CANCER was established in response to the persistent lack of progress in treatments for many paediatric cancers. Despite decades of advances in oncology, significant challenges remain in developing effective treatments for several childhood cancers. The programme seeks to catalyse pan-European research efforts by supporting innovative projects that can produce meaningful improvements in outcomes for children and adolescents. Main Objectives of the Programme The 2026–2027 call has several interconnected objectives: - Advance fundamental knowledge of paediatric malignancies. - Improve survival rates among children and adolescents with cancer. - Improve quality of life for young cancer patients. - Support innovative clinical research. - Advance translational research. - Foster interdisciplinary collaboration. - Strengthen scientific capacity across Europe. - Bridge laboratory and clinical research. - Translate scientific discoveries into improved patient outcomes. Research Areas The call is open to research projects covering all areas of paediatric cancer. This broad scope allows researchers to propose projects addressing important scientific, clinical, or translational challenges affecting children and adolescents with cancer. Projects should demonstrate the potential to contribute meaningfully to improved knowledge, treatment, survival, or quality of life. Clinical Trials Funding Clinical Trials can receive up to €5,000,000 for a maximum period of 5 years. This is the largest funding category under the call and is intended to support substantial clinical research projects capable of generating meaningful evidence to improve outcomes for paediatric cancer patients. Applicants developing clinical trials should demonstrate a strong connection between the proposed research and potential improvements in patient outcomes. Clinical Trial Preparation Grants Clinical Trial Preparation Grants provide up to €250,000 for projects lasting up to 2 years. This funding category supports the preparation of clinical trials and can help research teams develop the necessary foundation for future clinical research. Researchers can use this pathway when their work requires preparation before a full clinical trial can be implemented. Translational Research Projects Translational Research Projects can receive up to €2,000,000 for a maximum period of 4 years. The translational research component is designed to strengthen the connection between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. The goal is to help ensure that scientific advances can ultimately contribute to better diagnosis, treatment, survival, and quality of life for children and adolescents with cancer. Funding Overview The 2026–2027 call offers three major funding categories:

- Clinical Trials: Up to €5,000,000 for a maximum of 5 years.

- Clinical Trial Preparation Grants: Up to €250,000 for up to 2 years.

- Translational Research Projects: Up to €2,000,000 for up to 4 years.

All funding is awarded competitively to the strongest European research projects selected each year. Pan-European Research Collaboration FIGHT KIDS CANCER seeks to catalyse research efforts across Europe. The programme encourages collaboration among researchers and institutions and aims to strengthen the broader European paediatric cancer research ecosystem. Interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly important because progress in paediatric cancer can require cooperation between laboratory scientists, clinicians, researchers, and other specialists. Bridging Laboratory and Clinical Research A key objective of the programme is to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical research. Scientific discoveries can have greater impact when they are successfully translated into approaches that benefit patients. The programme therefore supports translational projects and clinical research that can help move scientific knowledge toward improved outcomes for children and adolescents. Improving Survival and Quality of Life The programme is focused not only on extending survival but also on improving the quality of life of young patients. Research projects should contribute to meaningful improvements in outcomes for children and adolescents affected by cancer. This makes both clinical effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes important considerations for the programme. Strengthening Scientific Capacity in Europe Another objective is to strengthen scientific capacity throughout Europe. By supporting competitive research projects and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, FIGHT KIDS CANCER aims to contribute to a stronger European research community focused on paediatric cancer. The programme can therefore support both individual research projects and the broader development of paediatric cancer research capabilities. Who Can Apply? Lead institutions must be eligible research organisations located in eligible European countries, as specified in the programme guidelines. The lead institution is responsible for leading the eligible research project. Applicants should carefully consult the programme guidelines to confirm that their institution and country meet the relevant eligibility requirements. Project Partners Project partners may participate if they a