[Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org)

March 26, 2026

Up to £100,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months.

Supports innovative, high-risk research and pilot studies to advance early cancer detection and diagnosis.

Open to UK-based researchers at all career stages; prior cancer research experience not required.

--- ## Description This award funds novel and pioneering research ideas and pilot studies with the potential to advance the field of early cancer detection and diagnosis. It is designed to stimulate innovation by supporting high scientific risk projects, the development of new collaborations or consortia, and the establishment of researchers in the early detection field. Projects should be clearly relevant to early detection or diagnosis of cancer, articulate a specific cancer-related question, and consider the path to clinical or population-level impact. Applications addressing inequalities in cancer detection and diagnosis are especially encouraged through a spotlight call. --- ## Due Dates - March 26, 2026: Full application deadline for consideration at the May 2026 Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee review Applications are reviewed twice per year. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: up to £100,000 - Project duration: up to 12 months - Funding may cover pilot experiments, running costs, travel and meeting organization, training, salary for one investigator, and collaborative activities --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution. - Open to researchers at all career stages; early career researchers are encouraged to include an established researcher as a co-applicant for mentorship. - No prior experience in cancer research required, but proposals must clearly link to early cancer detection/diagnosis and future clinical implementation. - Collaborative applications (including across UK institutions, with international or commercial partners) are encouraged. - Host institution approval is required before submission. - Applications from diverse fields (biomedicine, engineering, physics, statistics, mathematics, chemistry, informatics, computer/data sciences, etc.) are welcome. --- ## Application Process - Contact Cancer Research UK for an informal discussion of your proposal at least one month before the deadline ([early.detection@cancer.org.uk](mailto:early.detection@cancer.org.uk)). - Notify your host institution and secure their approval before submission. - Applications are submitted via the Flexi-Grant online system. - Required documents include a research proposal (using provided template), narrative CV(s), justification appendix, declaration of competing interests, letters of support, data sharing plan, and details of costs. - Applications undergo peer review by the Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee, with feedback provided post-review. - No resubmissions allowed unless specifically recommended by the committee. --- ## Additional Information - Applications addressing inequalities in cancer detection and diagnosis are prioritized through a dedicated spotlight call. - Flexible working arrangements and career breaks are considered in the review process. - For projects involving human or animal research, appropriate ethical approval is required before funds are released. - Use of generative AI tools in applications must be declared and comply with CRUK policy. - Data sharing plans must align with FAIR principles. --- ## External Links - [Scheme details and application portal](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/early-detection-and-diagnosis-primer-award) - [CRUK funding schemes overview](https://find.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-schemes) - [Research strategy and priorities](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy) - [Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/how-we-make-funding-decisions/early-detection-diagnosis-research-committee) - [Costs guidance for grants](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Salary guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/salary-guidance-grants) - [Narrative CV guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/narrative-cvs) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|--------------| | Early Detection Awards Team | [early.detection@cancer.org.uk](mailto:early.detection@cancer.org.uk) | | | General Enquiries | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | 020 7242 0200 | | [Contact form](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) | | |

Early Detection and Diagnosis Primer Award - Cancer Research UK

Sign in to see full grant listing