Prostate Cancer Research

Charity Number: 1156027

Annual Expenditure: £4.1M
Throughout England And Wales

Contact Info

Website: www.pcr.org.uk / www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk

Phone: 020 3735 5444

Email: [email

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £3.5+ million committed
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 4-6 months (two-stage process)
  • Grant Range: £15,000 - £500,000
  • Geographic Focus: UK-based researchers (with international collaborations welcome)
  • Funding Type: Rolling grant calls with specific themes

Contact Details

Website: www.pcr.org.uk / www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 020 3735 5444

Research Enquiries: [email protected]

Overview

Prostate Cancer Research (PCR) was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in March 2014 (Charity Number 1156027), though its roots trace back to 1989 when it operated as the Covent Garden Cancer Research Trust. The charity focuses specifically on advancing research into advanced prostate cancer, recognising that it is in the late stages of the disease that prostate cancer kills. PCR has committed to spending at least £3.5 million on prostate cancer research and aims to become a £5 million organisation funding at least 23 projects simultaneously. Led by Chief Executive Oliver Kemp MBE, who has 25 years of sector experience, PCR distinguishes itself by maintaining a deep understanding of patient priorities and involving patients throughout the research process—from setting strategy to reviewing grant applications. The organisation announced major funding in recent years, including seven new research teams across six UK locations, representing nearly 10% of UK prostate cancer research funding.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Seed Grants: £15,000

  • For model development or initial experiments
  • Support for early-stage collaborations
  • Application via Expression of Interest (EOI) form

Pilot Grants: £50,000 - £100,000

  • Generate preliminary data for future larger applications
  • Support innovative approaches to advanced prostate cancer

Full Research Grants: Up to £500,000 over 4 years

  • Major research projects addressing PCR's strategic priorities
  • Two-stage application process with peer review

Themed Grant Calls:

  • Bone Metastasis Collaboration Fund (with Breast Cancer Now): Up to £600,000 total for cancer-agnostic bone metastasis research
  • Racial Disparities Grant Call: Open to UK and US researchers for social and medical research addressing racial disparities in prostate cancer (PCR dedicates a third of their funding to this priority)

Priority Areas

PCR actively funds research that:

  • Develops new treatments for advanced prostate cancer - particularly addressing the urgent need for effective, less toxic treatments that currently only prolong life by months
  • Addresses racial disparities - focusing on health inequalities experienced by Black men with prostate cancer
  • Advances early detection and screening - leveraging technological advancements for more effective screening
  • Investigates bone metastasis - understanding mechanisms of cancer spread to bones
  • Takes research from “bench to bedside” - translational research with direct patient impact
  • Builds capacity in advanced prostate cancer research - supporting early career researchers
  • Encourages collaboration - national and international partnerships, including with pharmaceutical and biotech companies

PCR seeks “exceptional science from outstanding scientists” and prioritises funding gaps within the prostate cancer research ecosystem. They strongly encourage patient and community group involvement as co-investigators or collaborators.

What They Don't Fund

  • Applications from individuals not employed by an eligible institution
  • Researchers without a PhD (or equivalent) and 3 years of independent research experience (unless under senior mentorship)
  • Projects part-funded by other funders (though applicants should contact PCR if uncertain)
  • Lead applicants applying for more than one grant in the same funding round (though multiple co-applicant roles are permitted)

Governance and Leadership

Chief Executive: Oliver Kemp MBE - awarded an MBE for services to prostate cancer research, with 25 years of charity sector experience

Director of Patient Projects and Influencing: David James

Board of Trustees (unpaid):

  • Simon - Associate Clinical Director, Southampton Clinical Trials Unit
  • Søren - Owner & Managing Director, IPQ Capital
  • Richard - Former investment banker
  • Shaun Grady - Vice-President Business Development Operations, AstraZeneca
  • Louisa Fleure - Urology Consultant Nurse, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Trust
  • Magnus - Head of Human Resources, GSK's Global Research and Development
  • Marcella - Founder, Can-Survive UK

Scientific Advisory Committee: UK research scientists who are leading authorities in cancer research, including Professor Colin Cooper, Dr Manit Arya, Professor Jonathon Ashmore, and Professor Anne Ridley

External Advisory Committee: Independent eminent research scientists working outside the UK providing objective oversight

Key Leadership Statement: Oliver Kemp describes PCR's mission as “to use our deep understanding of patient priorities and the research ecosystem to enable and implement the innovations that have greatest potential for impact, and to help scientists forge the connections and collaborations which will keep their work at the cutting-edge.” He emphasises: “Patients are involved in all sorts of ways - setting the strategy right through to the priorities of the research.”

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  1. Download Expression of Interest (EOI) form from www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/pcr-funding-opportunities/
  2. Complete and submit to [email protected]
  3. Typical timeline: 8 weeks from grant call opening to EOI deadline

Decision Timeline

Two-Stage Process:

  • Stage 1: EOI reviewed by Scientific Advisory Committee and patient panel
  • Decisions communicated approximately 2 months after EOI deadline
  • Shortlisted applicants invited to Stage 2
  • Stage 2: Full application submission
  • Deadline typically 2-3 months after Stage 1 decisions
  • Final decisions approximately 2 months after full application deadline
  • Total timeline: 4-6 months from initial EOI to final decision

Review Process:

  • Scientific Advisory Committee peer review
  • Patient panel involvement in assessment
  • External Advisory Committee oversight
  • Mid-term reviews for funded projects by independent experts

Success Rates

Specific success rate percentages are not publicly disclosed. However, PCR emphasises they seek “exceptional science” and fund research addressing gaps in the prostate cancer ecosystem.

Reapplication Policy

PCR's specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants is not publicly detailed on their website. Applicants should contact [email protected] for guidance on resubmissions following unsuccessful applications.

Application Success Factors

What PCR Values in Applications

Patient Involvement: “Patients are involved in all sorts of ways - setting the strategy right through to the priorities of the research.” Applications demonstrating meaningful patient engagement are prioritised.

Focus on Advanced Disease: PCR specifically targets late-stage prostate cancer where “current treatments are often toxic and prolong life by only a few months.” Applications addressing this critical gap are highly relevant.

Innovation and Collaboration: PCR actively seeks “exceptional science from outstanding scientists” and supports early career researchers who “prioritise collaboration.”

Translational Impact: Research must demonstrate potential for “bench to bedside” translation and “greatest potential for impact.”

Addressing Disparities: With a third of funding dedicated to racial disparities, applications addressing health inequalities have strong strategic alignment.

Examples of Recently Funded Projects

  • AI and personalised treatment (University of East Anglia) - Using AI and mathematics to categorise prostate cancer by behaviour patterns for personalised treatment selection
  • Obesity and cancer progression - Investigating how prostate tumours communicate with surrounding fat tissue, particularly relevant for overweight men
  • MCL-1 protein research - Targeting hormone therapy resistance in advanced prostate cancer
  • Wnt signalling and metastasis - Developing drugs to block cancer spread throughout the body
  • Bone metastasis mechanisms - Cancer-agnostic research applicable to both prostate and breast cancer

Language and Terminology

PCR uses patient-centered language emphasising:

  • “Advanced prostate cancer” rather than just “prostate cancer”
  • “Impact” and “translational research”
  • “Bench to bedside”
  • “Patient priorities”
  • “Racial disparities” and “health inequalities”
  • “Innovation” and “collaboration”

Application Tips

  1. Contact the research team early - [email protected] for queries about fit and eligibility
  2. Demonstrate patient involvement - Show how patients will be engaged as co-investigators or collaborators
  3. Emphasise translational potential - Clearly articulate pathway to patient benefit
  4. Highlight collaborative elements - National and international partnerships, including industry, are encouraged
  5. Address strategic priorities - Align clearly with PCR's focus on advanced disease, racial disparities, or bone metastasis
  6. Include diverse expertise - Co-applicants and collaborators can be based outside the UK or at pharmaceutical/biotech companies

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Advanced disease focus is critical - PCR specifically targets late-stage prostate cancer where treatment options are limited and toxic; ensure your research addresses this gap explicitly
  1. Patient involvement is non-negotiable - With patients involved “from strategy to research priorities,” demonstrate meaningful patient engagement throughout your proposal
  1. Racial disparities are a major priority - PCR dedicates one-third of funding to this area, making it the largest commitment of any cancer charity; applications addressing health inequalities for Black men have strong strategic fit
  1. Think collaboratively - PCR welcomes partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, international researchers, and cross-disciplinary teams; don't limit yourself to traditional academic structures
  1. Translational impact matters most - PCR wants research that moves from “bench to bedside”; clearly articulate how your work will improve patient outcomes in practical terms
  1. Early career researchers are supported - If you have less than 3 years of independent research experience, identify a senior mentor to support your application
  1. Two-stage process requires planning - Allow 4-6 months from EOI to final decision; strong EOI performance is essential for Stage 2 invitation

Similar Funders

These funders frequently fund the same charities:

References

  1. Prostate Cancer Research official website - Funding Opportunities. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/pcr-funding-opportunities/
  1. UK Charity Commission - Prostate Cancer Research (Charity 1156027). https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5045154
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - About Us & Mission. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/about-us/ and https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/our-mission/
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - Strategy 2020-2023. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/strategy-2020-2023/
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - Our Trustees. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/about-us/pcr-trustees/
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - Our People/Staff. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/about-us/pcrc-staff/
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - Announcing New Research Projects. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/announcing-new-research/
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - Major Boost for UK Research (£2M Funding Announcement). https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/pcr-major-boost-for-uk-research/
  1. Oliver Kemp CEO Interview - NCRI. https://www.ncri.org.uk/oliver-kemp-interview/
  1. The Focal Therapy Clinic - Oliver Kemp: Prostate Cancer Research is helping men. https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk/focal-therapy/does-it-work/research/how-prostate-cancer-research-is-impacting-patients-and-clinicians/
  1. Prostate Cancer Research - CEO Statement on NHS National Cancer Patient Experience Survey. https://www.prostate-cancer-research.org.uk/ceo-statement-on-the-nhs-national-cancer-patient-experience-survey/
  1. Sussex Express - CEO of Prostate Cancer Research from Sussex made MBE in King's Birthday Honours 2025. https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/emergency-incident/ceo-of-prostate-cancer-research-from-sussex-made-mbe-in-kings-birthday-honours-2025-5178836