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Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award 2026

Irish Cancer Society

An advocate is someone who supports or defends a cause. A patient advocate for cancer research is a voice for cancer patients.

The Irish Cancer Society knows how important cancer research advocates are. Our advocates are driven by their own cancer experience; they want to contribute to the improvement of treatments and understanding for patients coming after them.

We also know that in cancer research advocacy, knowledge and making connections is key. For example, by going to cancer research events, going to training or attending workshop. However, it can be difficult to fund this yourself, especially if on a reduced income. We know the potential expense involved can stop people from taking part and becoming cancer research advocates.

This award is to directly fund a patient advocate to upskill themselves in areas of cancer research, PPI, and cancer research advocacy. You can be a cancer research patient advocate, a PPI contributor, or both, to apply for this award. You may also have no experience yet and want to apply to start out your cancer research advocacy/PPI journey. This award is for anyone, regardless of experience, who wishes to upskill in this space.

Funding

There is a minimum of four awards available, and each
award is worth up to a maximum of €2,500 for
activities taking place outside of the EU/UK or €2,000
for activities taking place within the EU/UK. Funding is
to cover registration, travel, accommodation, childcare,
loss of earnings, materials and meal costs. The event(s)
must happen between November 2026 and January
2028.

Timeline

What's Happening and When:

Accepting Applications: Opens Tuesday, 19th May 2026
Deadline for Receiving Applications: Closes Tuesday, 1st September 2026
When Decisions Are Made: September
Awardees Announced: Late September / Early October 2026

AI Based Application Success Predictor

1. Alignment with Irish Cancer Society research priorities (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

This is the most important criterion.

Competitive proposals should align with one or more of the Society's major research themes:

Translational Biomedical Research
Clinical Research
Survivorship Research

Projects should also address the Society's strategic roadmap and the emerging needs of people affected by cancer.

2. Strong patient-centred impact and Public & Patient Involvement (PPI) (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

A defining feature of Irish Cancer Society funding is its commitment to Public and Patient Involvement (PPI).

Competitive applications should demonstrate:

Meaningful involvement of patients and survivors
Patient partners integrated throughout the research process
Research addressing issues important to patients
Clear plans for patient engagement
Person-centred outcomes

Many funding calls specifically require PPI activities and dedicated budget support.

3. Scientific excellence and innovation (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Successful proposals should demonstrate:

Novel hypotheses
High scientific quality
Strong preliminary rationale
Innovative approaches
Potential to advance cancer research

Applications are evaluated through international peer review for scientific merit and originality.

4. Clear translational or clinical relevance (Highest Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The Society prioritizes research capable of improving cancer care.

Competitive projects may focus on:

Early diagnosis
Precision oncology
New therapeutic approaches
Clinical trials
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Diagnostics
Psycho-oncology
Exercise
Nutrition
Supportive care

Research should clearly explain how findings could improve patient outcomes.

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

Competitive proposals include:

Clearly defined aims
Appropriate study design
Robust statistical methods
Realistic timelines
Achievable milestones
Feasible implementation plan

Reviewers assess whether the proposed work can realistically be completed within the funding period.

6. Investigator expertise and supportive research environment (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

Reviewers consider:

Track record of investigators
Supervisory expertise (for PhD awards)
Institutional support
Availability of appropriate facilities
Multidisciplinary research team

Applications from experienced teams with strong institutional backing are more competitive.

7. Addressing unmet needs in cancer research and survivorship (Very High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

The Society favors research addressing significant gaps, including:

Cancer prevention
Screening
Survivorship
Long-term treatment effects
Quality of life
Psychosocial care
Health services research
Supportive care interventions

Projects should clearly identify the unmet clinical or survivorship need they intend to address.

8. Collaboration and networking (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive proposals often involve:

Universities
Hospitals
Clinical researchers
Basic scientists
Allied health professionals
National and international collaborators

The Society also funds networking activities to strengthen collaborations across the cancer research community.

9. Research dissemination and implementation (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Applicants should describe plans to:

Publish findings
Present at scientific meetings
Share results with patients and healthcare professionals
Translate evidence into policy or clinical practice

Research with a clear pathway to implementation receives favorable consideration.

10. Well-justified budget and efficient use of resources (High Predictor ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆)

Competitive proposals include:

Realistic budgets
Appropriate resource allocation
Compliance with funding guidelines
Clear justification for requested costs

Budgets should align closely with project objectives and include required allocations where specified (for example, PPI activities in some schemes).

Specialties

Cancer

Oncology

Eligibility Requirements

The purpose of the Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award 2026 is to give funding to support new or experienced cancer research advocates. This will be used to go to advocacy events or PPI activities.

Sponsor Details

Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Irish Cancer Society

Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit

Address: 43/45 Northumberland Road Dublin, D04 VX65

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