PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT (December 1, 2025): Two CRCC Request for Proposals (RFPs) for the 2026-27 competition are now available, including a new fellowship. Please see the How to Apply page for more information on the funding opportunities, FAQs, and recommended applicant webinars. Applicants are also encouraged to check this website for any updates or announcements while the application cycles are open.

CRCC NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Cancer Research Coordinating Committee

Supporting breakthroughs in all aspects of cancer research

Overview

► $47M in program funds

► Over $280M leveraged in extramural funding

► 4 Nobel Laureates have received CRCC support

The CRCC is a systemwide, UC faculty-directed cancer research program that provides competitive intramural research awards for topics in any discipline that address any aspect of cancer. Funding for this opportunity is provided through generous donations and bequests to UC for cancer research. The CRCC provides one-year seed grants to New Assistant Professors (NAP) or established faculty (REG) on the 10 UC campuses.

CRCC's Mission Program Factsheet

Initiating Cancer Research Across Campuses and Disciplines

CRCC awards support both new and established faculty to launch cancer research projects, whether to accelerate their careers or to pivot their research in new directions. As a true systemwide resource, CRCC seed funding has reached every campus, sponsoring work across a wide range of disciplines, from biomedical sciences to behavioral research. Committed to catalyzing the next wave of breakthroughs in cancer research, the UC faculty-led committee invests in promising ideas at their earliest stages. Many awardees have gone on to secure major funding, turning these initial grants into large-scale impact.

Research Areas, 2017-present

A donut chart shows field distribution: Biology 33%, Chemistry 25%, Clinical 24%, Biomedical Engineering 11%, Public Health 6%, Physics 2%.

Support Cancer Research in California

You can help advance lifesaving cancer research here in California through voluntary tax contributions on your state tax return (Form 540).

California Cancer Research Fund: Funds essential research into the causes, early detection, and prevention of cancer, while expanding community education and prevention activities for populations disproportionately affected by the disease. Donate by checking line 413.

California Pediatric Cancer Research Fund: Directly addresses the critical funding gap for childhood cancer—the leading cause of disease-related death in children nationwide. This fund supports California clinicians and scientists developing innovative therapies and expanding access to clinical trials for young patients. Donate by checking Line 448.

Over 95% of every dollar donated directly funds critical research and awareness initiatives.