Lugano, Switzerland, 10 September 2026 – ESMO has announced a new funding programme dedicated to academic clinical research designed to optimise cancer care, reduce treatment burden and generate evidence capable of changing clinical practice worldwide.
The initiative will support pragmatic studies with an international reach, addressing treatment optimisation, streamlined treatment delivery, patient-centred care and healthcare sustainability. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, cancer centres, hospitals and cooperative research groups developing interventional clinical trials with the potential to improve patient outcomes.
The programme seeks to support studies that answer clinically relevant questions often not addressed through commercially sponsored research, despite their potential importance for patients and healthcare systems. These may include evaluating treatment duration, treatment sequencing, de-escalation approaches, alternative care pathways and delivery models that improve quality of life and access to care while maintaining clinical effectiveness.
Studies may be recruiting, approved but not yet recruiting, or awaiting regulatory and institutional approvals at the time of application.
Applications will be evaluated on scientific quality, practice-changing potential, patient impact, sustainability, feasibility and global relevance. Particular emphasis will be placed on projects capable of generating evidence that can inform routine clinical practice across diverse healthcare settings.
The programme requirements include elements relating to governance, quality assurance, reporting, public registration and data-sharing, reflecting ESMO's commitment to transparency and research integrity.
Consistent with ESMO's commitment to patient-centred research, applicants will be expected to describe how patients have been involved in study design and dissemination plans.
“Many important questions in oncology relate not to the development of new medicines, but to the optimisation of existing treatments and care pathways,” said ESMO President Fabrice André. “The initiative, which forms part of the ESMO Roadmap 2030, is aimed to strengthen support for academic research, recognising the essential role of independent clinical research in addressing unmet needs in oncology,” the President said.
Through a total investment of €1,000,000, ESMO aims to facilitate studies that can improve outcomes for patients while contributing to more efficient and sustainable cancer care delivery worldwide.
Researchers interested in applying are encouraged to review the full Call for Applications, Applicant Guidance Document and Application Form.
Application Deadline: 1 November 2026
For further information please visit this page.
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