Funder: Cancer Research UK
Due Dates: March 27, 2026 (Outline) | June 25, 2026 (Full) | September 7, 2026 (Outline) | December 3, 2026 (Full)
Funding Amounts: No fixed module limits; typically up to 10 years, with longer durations considered if justified
Summary: Supports investigator-led cancer trials, translational research, and sample collection to improve treatment and patient outcomes.
Key Information: Contact CRUK before applying; a UKCRC-registered Clinical Trials Unit is required unless an exception is justified.
Description
Cancer Research UK’s Clinical Research Funding Scheme supports biologically rich clinical trials, associated translational research, and collection of samples and data. Its three interconnected modules—Clinical Trial, Experimental Medicine and Sample Collection—encourage integrated research that maximises learning from every participant. Justified standalone or mixed-module applications are also considered, and additional modules can be added during an award.
Priorities include early-phase proof-of-concept trials, treatment optimisation or repurposing with fewer adverse effects, and innovative methodologies. Research may investigate treatment response, resistance, toxicity, precision treatment combinations or cancer’s effects on whole-body physiology. CRUK particularly welcomes work on cancers of unmet need, children’s and young people’s cancers, rare cancers, radiotherapy and surgery, and high-quality omics within prospective randomised trials.
