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

December 4, 2025 | June 18, 2026

Up to £500,000 per project (up to 3 years; up to 4 years if including a PhD student)

Supports innovative research to transform early cancer detection and diagnosis, from discovery through translation, with emphasis on clinical and population impact.

Applications considered twice yearly; spotlight call on reducing inequalities in early cancer detection is active.

--- ## Description This award funds exceptional scientific research projects aimed at transforming the early detection and diagnosis of cancer and pre-cancerous states. The scheme spans from discovery to translational research, supporting efforts that can identify and diagnose consequential pre-cancerous changes and cancers at the earliest point of intervention, thereby reducing the burden of late-stage disease. Projects must demonstrate clear relevance to early detection or diagnosis, articulate the specific cancer-related question being addressed, and consider the potential for clinical or population-level impact. The scheme also features a spotlight call to address inequalities in early cancer detection and diagnosis, encouraging innovative approaches to reduce known disparities or investigate less understood mechanisms driving inequalities. --- ## Due Dates - December 4, 2025: Application deadline (round opened September 8, 2025) - June 18, 2026: Application deadline (round opens March 10, 2026) Applications are considered twice per year. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: up to £500,000 per project - Duration: up to 3 years (extendable to 4 years if including a PhD student) - Funding can support postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, associated running costs, and equipment up to £50,000 (higher requests require prior discussion). - Smaller pilot applications are accepted and not disadvantaged. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institute. - Researchers at all career stages are welcome; early career researchers leading proposals are strongly encouraged to include an established researcher as co-applicant for mentorship. - Teams can span multiple UK institutions; international and commercial collaborators may be included. - Host institution approval is required before submission. - Projects must have a clear line-of-sight to early cancer detection or diagnosis and potential for clinical or population impact. - Applications focused solely on late-stage disease, lacking relevance to early detection, or seeking infrastructure support are not eligible. --- ## Application Process - **Pre-application:** Strongly encouraged to contact the funder for an informal discussion at least one month before the deadline ([early.detection@cancer.org.uk](mailto:early.detection@cancer.org.uk)). - **Submission:** Applications are submitted via the [Flexi-Grant](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system) system. - **Required documents:** Narrative CVs for all lead and joint lead applicants, research proposal (max 2,500 words), justification appendix, patient/public involvement plan, data sharing plan, and other standard declarations. - **Review:** Peer review by expert panels and a Patient and Public Review Panel; feedback provided post-decision. - **Assessment criteria:** Scientific quality, relevance to early detection and diagnosis, potential impact, and alignment with strategic priorities (including reducing inequalities). - **Spotlight call:** Proposals addressing inequalities in early detection and diagnosis are encouraged and may be prioritized among proposals of comparable quality. --- ## Additional Information - Flexible working and part-time applications are supported. - Career breaks, part-time work, and changes in discipline are considered in assessment. - Applications may be submitted to other funders, but only one award can be accepted for the same project. - Reasonable adjustments for disability and accessibility are available throughout the application process. - Registered Reports pilot and joint funding with other organizations may be possible—contact the funder for details. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details & How to Apply](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/early-detection-and-diagnosis-project-award) - [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) - [Spotlight Call: Reducing Inequalities (PDF)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/5GQdByCmGrEAEcndv7jaXS/e20a7ee97625b3609b7b6d2df5900c9f/Cancer_Research_UK_Spotlight_Call_Reducing_Inequalities_in_Cancer_Early_Detection_and_Diagnosis_-_October_2025.pdf) - [Early Detection and Diagnosis of Cancer Roadmap](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy/early-detection-and-diagnosis-research/roadmap) - [Costs Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Narrative CV Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/narrative-cvs) - [PPI Toolkit for Researchers](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/how-we-deliver-research/patient-and-public-involvement-in-research) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Email | Phone | Webpage | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Early Detection & Diagnosis Team | early.detection@cancer.org.uk | | [Contact page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) | | Dr Emily Friar, Research Grants Manager | early.detection@cancer.org.uk | | | | Cancer Research UK Support | supporter.services@cancer.org.uk | 020 7242 0200 | |

Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award

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