Call for Proposals Summary
The CRIS Excellence Program 2026 is an initiative of the CRIS Foundation Against Cancer aimed at attracting, bringing back, and retaining top-tier research talent in oncology in Spain.
The program is designed to support independent researchers with an outstanding track record by helping them establish or strengthen their own research groups at Spanish institutions.
Priority is given to translational cancer research projects with clear potential for clinical impact and the capacity to generate significant advances in the diagnosis, treatment, or understanding of the disease.
In addition, the call for proposals aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the Spanish scientific system by promoting the recruitment of international talent and the return of researchers who are pursuing their careers abroad.
Requirements
The main eligibility criteria are:
Applicant Profile:
— Researchers or physician-researchers of any nationality.
— They must lead or be capable of leading an independent research group.
— A solid academic background, with relevant publications and valued international experience.
Education and Experience:
— Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent).
— Having achieved research independence within the last:
— 10 years, extendable to 13 years for women.
— Additional extensions of the eligibility period may be granted for justified reasons (maternity, paternity, illness, etc.).
Receiving center:
— The project must be carried out at a research institution in Spain.
— The center must commit to providing the appropriate environment (infrastructure, institutional integration, etc.).
Other relevant aspects:
— International experience will be viewed favorably.
— A significant level of commitment to the funded project is expected.
— The candidate must demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to secure competitive funding.
Duration and Funding
Projects will have a maximum duration of five years, with the possibility of a free extension of up to twelve months. Funding is granted for an initial period of three years and may be renewed for two additional years, provided that a favorable midterm evaluation is conducted after the second year.
The maximum grant will be €400,000, distributed in annual installments of up to €80,000.
Eligibility Criteria
The main eligibility criteria are:
- Applicant Profile:
- Researchers or physician-researchers of any nationality.
- They must lead or be capable of leading an independent research group.
- A solid academic background, with relevant publications and highly regarded international experience.
- Education and Experience:
- Hold a doctoral degree (PhD or equivalent).
- To have achieved research independence within the last:
- 10 years, extendable to 13 years for women.
- Additional extensions of the eligibility period may be granted for justified reasons (maternity, paternity, illness, etc.).
- Receiving center:
- The project must be carried out at a research institution in Spain.
- The center must commit to providing the appropriate environment (infrastructure, institutional integration, etc.).
- Other relevant aspects:
- International experience will be viewed favorably.
- Significant dedication to the funded project is expected.
- The candidate must demonstrate leadership skills and the ability to secure competitive funding.
Application
The application process is competitive and takes place entirely online:
Introduction:
— Through the CRIS Foundation’s online platform.
— The application must be submitted by the principal investigator.
Required documentation:
— Completed application form.
— The candidate’s resume (including relevant scientific achievements).
— Scientific project proposal, detailing the objectives, methodology, expected impact, and work plan.
— A letter of support from the host institution, guaranteeing the researcher’s integration.
— In some cases, a letter from a mentor or additional institutional support.
— Supporting documentation (doctorate, work experience, etc.).
Evaluation process:
— Scientific evaluation by international experts.
— Review of:
- The candidate’s excellence.
- Project quality and feasibility.
- Potential for clinical and scientific impact.
- Adaptation of the institutional environment.
- Possible interview phase for final candidates.