Restricted Call: Rosetrees New Exceptional Transformational (NEXT) Award 2026. Internal deadline: 28 April 2026

The Rosetrees Trust has launched the NEXT Award 2026, an ambitious flagship scheme aimed at enabling a single exceptional researcher to deliver major, patient‑focused impact through a high‑risk, high‑reward programme of translational medical research.

The Trust will fund one project nationally in this round. The award offers up to £750,000 over 3–5 years:

• Years 1–3: £150k per year (total £450k)
• Years 4–5: Up to an additional £300k, subject to a successful Year‑3 review

Funding can be used for salaries of post-doctoral research associates, research technicians and research assistants, plus some travel and small equipment costs where necessary. Indirect and Estates costs are not eligible. In special cases, the Rosetrees Trust may consider funding PhD stipends (but not tuition fees).

Proposed projects must demonstrate:

• A clear unmet clinical need and a pathway to real‑world patient benefit
• Strong proof‑of‑concept and a credible development trajectory
• A compelling translational strategy with measurable milestones
• Exceptional leadership by the Principal Investigator, with an outstanding track record
• Patient‑centred design, incorporating patient involvement and lived‑experience priorities

The proposal is to be led by a single Principal Applicant but the project may involve up to 10 co-applicants and 10 collaborators. More information and preliminary‑stage requirements, including information about co-funding, are outlined in the documents attached.

Further Information

University Internal Selection Process

The Rosetrees Trust allows one application per institution. The University will therefore run an internal selection process in line with our restricted calls policy.

To take part in the internal selection process, please submit your nomination(s) via our online form by
Tuesday 28 April 2026 (SSO/Raven login required): Rosetrees New Exceptional Transformational (NEXT) Award – Fill in form

Applicants will need the following ready to complete the online form (forms cannot be saved and returned):

1. Project summary (max. 800 words) covering:
   • The unmet clinical need, and the innovation proposed – state the clinical research question you are addressing using the PICO framework (refer to the application instructions attached for further guidance)
   • Preliminary data and proof‑of‑concept supporting feasibility
   • Translational pathway, including anticipated TRL progression
   • Potential for patient benefit, including patient involvement
2. CV for the Principal Applicant (max. 3 pages)
3. The track record and leadership capability of the Principal Applicant and team (max. 300 words)
4. Letter of Support from the Head of Department, confirming:
   • Support for the Principal Applicant and project
   • Commitment to hosting the project, if funded
   • Any essential co‑funding details, if relevant (financial or in‑kind)
   • Confirmation of the Department’s internal selection process*

*For the preliminary application the institutional letter of support is to be signed by the HoD and include details of the internal selection process. We will liaise with the office of the HoD for the internally selected application over the detail of this from the central University perspective.

Internal Selection Criteria

The internal review panel will assess applications based on the funder’s preliminary‑stage criteria, including:

1. Significance of the unmet need and potential patient benefit
2. Scientific quality, novelty, and feasibility of the proposed research and strength of the translational strategy
3. Track record and leadership of the PI and research team

Funder Deadlines

• Preliminary application deadline: 8 June 2026 (4 pm)
• Full application (invite only): July 2026 (date TBC)
• Funding decision: February/March 2027

If you have any questions regarding the internal selection process, please contact researchstrategy@admin.cam.ac.uk

Posted on 21/04/2026