OCION Funding Scheme

About

We have designed a new pump-priming “Phoenix” scheme to foster ground breaking ideas and new collaborations within the Oxford ecosystem. We are looking for ideas that are open to being deconstructed during the process with the input from others. This scheme will save time for both applicants and reviewers, while providing the opportunity to create new Oxford alliances to advance and develop new immuno-oncology strategies.

Eligibility 

To apply you need to be an Oxford-based group leader. Awards of up to £20,000 each are available for a maximum of 12 months starting on 1st December 2026. We are also open to the possibility that two applicants may ultimately merge their projects, which could lead to a potential increase in the awarded amount. We are looking for projects that will seed future major grant applications with you as lead applicant and help define Oxford’s unique approach to immuno-oncology. 

The Application Process

STEP 1: Submit an abstract with your initial idea.

STEP 2: If shortlisted, you will present your project at the OCION symposium in 3-5 minutes. We will contact potential collaborators and invite PIs from different fields. After your pitch, anyone interested in collaborating with you can register their interest, and we will organise one-to-one meetings.

STEP 3: With all the input received and new collaborations in place, you will re-build the project strengthening the novelty, significance and quality of your proposal.

STEP 4: You will present your rebuilt project to the OCION Steering Committee in a 15 minutes presentation. Your proposal will be evaluated for its potential to bring new perspectives to the immuno-oncology landscape and the extent to which it evolved from the initial abstract intro a stronger, more collaborative project. 

Deadline applications for STEP1: 1st June.  Apply through our submission form.