The Kids' Cancer Project supports research that improves outcomes for children and adolescents and young adults (AYAs) affected by cancer.

The 2026/27 Project Grant Round is focused on low-survival childhood and AYA cancers, defined as cancers or molecular subtypes with less than 50% five-year overall survival.

This targeted approach ensures investment is directed toward areas of greatest unmet need, in line with national childhood cancer research priorities.

For the 2026/27 round, TKCP is investing approximately $1.875 million to support five high-quality research projects across the Discover, Translate and Support research pillars.

Applications must be submitted under one of the following research pillars:

• Discover - Hypothesis-driven, innovative research that improves understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying childhood cancer.
• Translate - High-quality translational and clinically focused research informed by discovery and designed to support future clinical application.
• Support - Research that improves quality of life and care delivery for children with cancer by reducing the short- and long-term effects of treatment.

Further detail on priority areas and exclusions is provided in the Funding Guidelines.

To be eligible, projects must:

• Be administered by an Australian research organisation
• Be led by a Chief Investigator who holds Australian citizenship, permanent residency, or an existing right to work in Australia for the duration of the project
• Focus on a childhood or AYA cancer (or molecular subtype) with <50% survival supported by a contemporary survival reference
• Align with a The Kids' Cancer Project research pillar
• Demonstrate a clear and realistic pathway to translation or implementation
• Include meaningful consumer involvement, appropriate to the project
• Be feasible within the proposed budget and timeframe

Eligibility screening is undertaken prior to peer review.

Applicant Institution (Administering Organisation)

Applications must be submitted by an Australian research organisation able to administer research funding and enter into a formal funding agreement with The Kids' Cancer Project. Eligible administering organisations include universities, medical research institutes, hospitals, and other recognised research organisations operating within Australia.

Projects must be primarily Australia-based. Where specialist expertise or services are required from outside Australia, this may be considered on a case-by-case basis where such services cannot reasonably be sourced locally.

• Email: research@tkcp.org.au