Cancer Research Uk

Charity Number: 1089464

Annual Expenditure: £692.4M
Throughout England And Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Contact Info

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Phone: 020 7242 0200

Email: secretariat@cancer.org.uk

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £403 million (2024/25)
  • Success Rate: 31% (Prevention and Population Research - 5-year rolling average)
  • Decision Time: Varies by scheme - applications reviewed twice yearly
  • Grant Range: £100,000 - £100 million+ (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: UK-based researchers with international collaboration opportunities

Contact Details

Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org

Phone: 020 7242 0200

Email: secretariat@cancer.org.uk

Research Support: Research careers programme managers available for pre-application advice

Online Portal: Flexi-Grant system for application management

Overview

Founded as Cancer Research UK through merger in 2002, the charity is the largest charitable funder of cancer research globally. With annual research spending of £403 million in 2024/25, CRUK remains on track to exceed its commitment of £1.5 billion research investment between 2021/22 and 2025/26. The organization supports over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses across the UK, funding hundreds of research projects and over 250 clinical trials annually. Under CEO Michelle Mitchell's leadership since 2018, CRUK has delivered some of the strongest impact and financial performances in its history, with strategic focus on discovery, detection, prevention and treatment through four primary research objectives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Grand Challenge Awards: Up to £100 million for tackling biggest research hurdles
  • Discovery Programme Foundation Awards: Mid-career researcher development (applications reviewed twice yearly)
  • Clinical Research Funding Scheme: Up to 10 years funding, applications reviewed twice yearly (deadline: December 4, 2025)
  • Clinical Trial Fellowship Award: 50% success rate (2017-2022 rolling average)
  • Prevention and Population Research Project Awards: 31% success rate (2019-2024 rolling average)
  • HPV Vaccination Grants Programme: £100,000-£200,000 for 18-30 months
  • AACR-Cancer Research UK Transatlantic Fellowship: $400,000 USD over 4 years
  • Clinical Research Training Fellowships: Usually 3 years, up to 4 years in certain circumstances

Priority Areas

  • Fundamental biology, genetics and immunology
  • Biomarker discovery and preclinical studies
  • Imaging and radiotherapy research
  • Early detection of cancers and pre-cancerous changes
  • Clinical and translational pathway research
  • High-impact early phase and first-in-human trials
  • Brain tumour research (strategic priority)
  • Cancer prevention research

What They Don't Fund

Information not specifically detailed in publicly available sources - applicants should consult program-specific guidelines.

Governance and Leadership

Chair of Trustees: Lord Simon Stevens (former NHS England Chief Executive)

Chief Executive: Michelle Mitchell OBE - “Since taking the helm, she has helped put CRUK on a strong footing to achieve its vision of bringing about a world where everybody lives longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”

Chief Scientist: Professor Patel (appointed October 2022) - provides scientific leadership working with research community to deliver strategy focusing on discovery science

Chief Clinician: Charles Swanton (appointed October 2017) - responsible for clinical activities strategy

Notable Trustees:

  • Professor Dame Moira Whyte (Sir John Crofton Professor of Respiratory Medicine, University of Edinburgh)
  • Professor Pam Kearns (Emeritus Professor of Clinical Paediatric Oncology, University of Birmingham)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Online Portal: Flexi-Grant system for all applications
  • Closed Rounds: Clinical Research Funding Scheme requires pre-application discussion
  • Two-Stage Process: Many schemes use outline followed by full application
  • Pre-Application Support: Contact required for Clinical Research Funding Scheme for eligibility discussion and guidance

Decision Timeline

  • Review Frequency: Most schemes reviewed twice yearly
  • Multi-Stage Review: Expert Review Panels with written comments, applicant response opportunities
  • Patient Involvement: Patient and Public Involvement Review Panel
  • Final Decision: Made by funding committees or relevant review boards
  • Clinical Trial Timeline: First site expected to open within 12 months of final approval

Success Rates

  • Prevention and Population Research: 31% (5-year rolling, 2019-2024)
  • Clinical Trial Fellowship: 50% (5-year rolling, 2017-2022)

Reapplication Policy

  • No Fixed Waiting Period: No strict time limit between reapplications
  • Career Stage Review: Applicants must reconsider eligibility in terms of career stage and competency framework
  • Feedback Requirement: Must address previous feedback from Research Careers Committee
  • Flexible Approach: Focus on addressing concerns rather than mandatory waiting periods

Application Success Factors

Direct Organizational Guidance:

  • Strong leadership in priority strategic areas is crucial for faster progress
  • Applications should demonstrate alignment with CRUK's four primary objectives: discovery, detection, prevention, and treatment
  • International collaboration is valued - evidenced by transatlantic partnership programs
  • Career development trajectory should align with competency framework requirements

Strategic Considerations:

  • CRUK follows San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), evaluating impact beyond just publication metrics
  • Emphasis on developing future cancer research leaders
  • Support for clinician scientists and diverse research paths
  • Data sharing plans supported since 2016 with dedicated assistance available

Recent Funding Examples:

  • Oxford University OvarianVax cancer prevention vaccine project
  • Brain tumour research (strategic priority area)
  • High-impact clinical trials with innovative design

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Pre-application engagement essential for Clinical Research Funding Scheme - mandatory informal discussion required
  • Career stage alignment critical - ensure competency framework fit and address any previous feedback thoroughly
  • Strategic alignment paramount - clearly demonstrate how research fits discovery, detection, prevention, or treatment objectives
  • International collaboration valued - consider partnership opportunities, especially transatlantic connections
  • Long-term vision important - CRUK invests in sustained research programs up to 10+ years
  • Patient involvement emphasized - applications reviewed by Patient and Public Involvement Review Panel
  • Transparency and feedback - all applicants receive detailed feedback regardless of outcome, use this constructively for reapplications

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References