KOTK - prevention projects 2026

Research

Funding organisation:

Kom op tegen Kanker vzw

What?

Every year, Kom op tegen Kanker does a thematic call for prevention projects. In 2026 KOTK supports projects that:

• reduce the risk of cancer by focusing on preventable causes of cancer: alcohol, obesity (with attention to diet and exercise), non-medicinal nicotine products (such as tobacco, e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products), particulate matter, endocrine disruptors, asbestos.
• contribute to the early detection of cancer or genetic mutations that increase the risk of cancer. The focus is on practical solutions that contribute to better early detection.

Technical/clinical validation of a screening method and research into the development of a new screening method are not eligible in this call.

KOTK provides a total budget of €2.500.000 for this call. There is no maximum budget per project application, but the requested budget will be considered in function of the proposed impact. Duration of the project is maximum 4 years.

Who?

For each submitted project, KOTK requests that:

• the applicant forms a consortium consisting of (a) research institution(s), (an) organisation(s) from the field and (an experience expert representative of) people from the target group. These three parties should be structurally and actively involved from the start to the implementation and evaluation of the project.
• the starting point of the project is a recognized and demonstrated need of the target group that was formulated together with individuals from the target group.
• the project should involve as much diversity as possible within the target group, regardless of whether it is aimed at a broad or specific target group. People in vulnerable positions are less often included in research, even though they are at greater risk of poorer health.
• the research design, the research method and a preliminary plan for communication during and after the project come about in consultation with the target group.

KOTK asks to be part of the advisory body or steering committee, thus providing maximum advice and support during and after the project in terms of implementing the research results and increasing the impact of the project.

The project manager can be either someone from the research institution or from the field of work.

KOTK underlines the complementary nature of its funding and thereby assumes a role for prevention projects where no or insufficient funding is made available by government, industry and/or other funders.

Application?

Applying is possible via the login site of KOTK.

Application procedure:
Step 1: pre-advice (optional): pre-advice can be submitted (optionally) by submitting the offered standard form (abstract) no later than 05/12/2024 at midnight
Step 2: abstract: deadline submission 13/02/2026 at 11:59
Step 3: full proposal for the selected abstracts: deadline submission 02/07/2026 at 11:59

More information about the application procedure, you can find on the website of KOTK.

Regulations?

On the website of KOTK you can also find more information about the Regulations.

Please contact research@uhasselt.be if you want to apply.

Deadline

13.02.2026

Contact Hasselt University?

E-mail brecht.vanhoof@uhasselt.be

Tel. +3211268744