canSERV Open Call Relaunches: EUR 1,500,000 in EU funding to accelerate Cancer Research and Innovation

Graz, 15 April 2024: The canSERV project has relaunched its Open Call for Service Provision, making up to EUR 1,5 million in EU funding available to support oncology research. From today, cancer researchers across Europe and beyond can apply for free access to more than 400 specialised services that cover the full spectrum of the cancer research pipeline – from basic discovery to clinical application. Applications are open until 15 July 2025 via the canSERV project website and the Common Access Management System.

Driving translational oncology research

canSERV brings together an exceptional portfolio of over 400 cutting-edge oncology services and training opportunities, tailored to support researchers worldwide. These resources are offered through competitive calls aimed ataddressing critical challenges in cancer research and care.

Backed by the EU Cancer Mission

Aligned with the European Union’s Cancer Mission and Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, this initiative reinforces the EU’s long-term vision to combat cancer through coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts. A key part of this mission is to ensure that researchers, clinicians and innovators have access to essential tools.

Prof. Jens K. Habermann, Director General of BBMRI-ERIC and coordinator of canSERV, highlights the value of this call:

“canSERV unites leading research infrastructures, oncology specialists, and patient organisations to offer unparalleled support to the cancer research community. This call is an opportunity for interdisciplinary, cross-sector proposals to advance personalised oncology and improve patient outcomes.”

Who can apply and what is offered?

Following strong interest and success of the previous calls, this fourth round continues to welcome high-impact oncology-focused proposals from individual researchers, academic institutes, start-ups, micro-, small- and medium-sized biotech/pharmaceutical SMEs, groups of scientists, networks and consortia from public and private entities. Researchers can request access to one or multiple services, depending on their project’s needs.

Proposals must align with at least one of the four strategic goals of the Cancer Mission

1. Understanding of cancer
2. Prevention and early detection
3. Diagnosis and treatment
4. Quality of life for patients and their families

Researchers may apply for several services including: · Disease models · Advanced technologies for personalised oncology · Biomarkers research development and validation · New therapeutic solutions · Accelerated translation into personalised oncology clinical practice · Open digital research services · Access to human samples and data · Clinical trials and design · Ethical, legal and socio-economic dimensions · Training.

Application details

• Call opens: 15 April 2025
• Submission deadline: 15 July 2024, 14.00 CEST.
• Budget: EUR 1,5 Million

The applications will be reviewed by an international independent review panel. Funded projects must conclude within the overall timeframe of the canSERV project (FAQ Section “Time frames for the service provision”).

For further information and the full Call text, visit: www.canSERV.eu/Calls

About European Research Infrastructures

European Research Infrastructures (RIs) play a vital role in advancing scientific excellence and innovation by offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. At the intersection of research, education, and innovation, these infrastructures drive sustainable progress across Europe. canSERV leverages Life Science RIs to deliver integrated oncology services – from fundamental research to clinical translation – enhancing Europe’s capabilities in personalised cancer care.

More information:

• canSERV website: www.canserv.eu
• Twitter: @canSERV_EU
• LinkedIn: canSERV