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Clinical Research Funding Scheme

Cancer Research UK

This modular scheme provides support for high-quality clinical research, associated translational research, and collection of samples and data. We encourage bold and creative applications.

Key information

Timelines

Applications are reviewed twice per year. Upcoming application deadlines: (full) 3 December 2026

Funding period

Typically, up to 10 years but longer durations can be considered if justified (project dependent)

Funding amount

Flexible; module dependent

The applicant

You can apply for our Clinical Research Funding Scheme if you are based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, UKCRC registered clinical trials unit or research institution. The proposal must be investigator-led.

All applications must have a UKCRC registered clinical trials unit co-ordinating the clinical trial/study, or an associated clinical trial/study. If appropriately justified, we may allow exceptions for:

small-scale and/or non-complex, non-interventional studies

certain biomarker assay validation studies using samples from patients receiving standard of care

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Strong relevance to cancer research (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the single most important success factor.

Competitive proposals should directly address important questions in:

Cancer biology
Cancer genetics and genomics
Tumor immunology
Cancer prevention
Early detection
Precision oncology
Translational oncology
Clinical trials
Cancer epidemiology
Population sciences
Cancer data science
Survivorship
Cancer treatment

Projects without a clear and substantial focus on cancer are generally not competitive.

2. Scientific excellence and significance (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

CRUK consistently places scientific quality at the center of its review process.

Competitive proposals should demonstrate:

An important unanswered question
Strong biological or clinical rationale
Significant potential to advance cancer research
Clear hypotheses
High scientific ambition

Reviewers evaluate whether the research could make a meaningful contribution to the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of cancer.

3. Innovation and originality (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Innovation is a defining feature of successful CRUK applications.

Competitive proposals frequently include:

Novel biological concepts
New therapeutic targets
Advanced genomics
Artificial intelligence
Spatial biology
Single-cell technologies
Early detection technologies
Precision medicine
Innovative clinical trial designs

CRUK's Pioneer Awards and Innovation Awards specifically support bold, unconventional, and high-risk/high-reward ideas.

4. Clear patient benefit and translational potential (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

One of CRUK's defining priorities is ensuring that research ultimately benefits patients.

Competitive proposals clearly explain how the work could lead to:

Earlier diagnosis
Better treatments
Improved survival
Reduced toxicity
Better quality of life
Improved healthcare delivery

Even discovery science should articulate a realistic pathway toward future patient benefit.

5. Rigorous methodology and feasibility (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Successful applications demonstrate:

Robust experimental design
Appropriate statistical methods
Clearly defined objectives
Realistic milestones
Risk management
Feasible timelines

Reviewers expect ambitious yet technically credible research.

6. Outstanding investigator and leadership potential (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

For fellowships and career-development awards, reviewers strongly evaluate the applicant.

Competitive investigators demonstrate:

Excellent publication record
Scientific independence
Leadership potential
Strong career trajectory
Commitment to cancer research

For Programme Awards, reviewers additionally assess the leadership of the principal investigator and the strength of the research team.

7. Excellent research environment and institutional support (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Competitive proposals benefit from:

Outstanding host institution
Access to core facilities
Multidisciplinary collaborations
Institutional commitment
Strong mentoring (for fellowships)
Clinical infrastructure (where relevant)

The quality of the research environment is a key consideration across many CRUK funding schemes.

8. Collaboration and multidisciplinary science (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

CRUK increasingly encourages collaboration across disciplines.

Competitive teams often include:

Cancer biologists
Clinicians
Bioinformaticians
Engineers
Data scientists
Statisticians
Imaging specialists
Population scientists

Collaborative research is particularly important for translational and clinical programs.

9. Potential to transform cancer research or clinical practice (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

CRUK seeks research capable of producing major advances.

Competitive projects demonstrate potential to:

Change clinical practice
Inform treatment guidelines
Enable new therapies
Launch clinical trials
Influence public health policy
Transform scientific understanding

Transformative impact is valued across both basic and clinical research programs.

10. Patient and public involvement (PPI) where appropriate (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

For many translational, clinical, prevention, and population studies, CRUK encourages meaningful involvement of patients and the public.

Strong applications may include:

Patient advisory groups
Public involvement in study design
Research priority setting
Dissemination to patient communities

For relevant funding schemes, high-quality PPI strengthens the overall impact and relevance of the proposal.

Specialties

Cancer

Oncology

Eligibility Requirements

Our core eligibility criteria are outlined below. Note that this scheme operates a closed round to ensure only eligible applications are submitted.

You must contact us ideally one month but at least two weeks before the deadline for an informal and confidential discussion of your proposal prior to submitting your application. We’ll advise on your eligibility and provide guidance on submitting your application.

Eligible Countries:

United Kingdom

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Cancer Research UK

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.

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