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

December 4, 2025 | March 26, 2026 | June 18, 2026

Up to £500,000 over a flexible period of up to 3 years; requests above this require prior approval.

Supports high-quality, hypothesis-driven research in cancer prevention and population science, including intervention studies and policy-focused research.

--- ## Description This award funds innovative, hypothesis-driven research projects focused on primary cancer prevention and population research. The scheme welcomes applications addressing key questions around cancer risk, prevention, and population impact, including epidemiological studies, behavioural and lifestyle interventions, risk stratification, screening, and relevant policy research. Both exploratory and confirmatory clinical trials of chemopreventive agents may be supported. Collaborative and cross-institutional projects are encouraged, and proposals should clearly articulate hypotheses, objectives, significance, and policy or clinical impact. The scheme aims to support research that can inform strategies to reduce cancer incidence and recurrence, with a strong emphasis on patient and public involvement. --- ## Due Dates - December 4, 2025: Full/standard application deadline (applications open September 8, 2025; committee review May 2026) - March 26, 2026: Interventional trial outline application deadline (if required) - June 18, 2026: Full/standard application deadline (applications open March 10, 2026; committee review November 2026) Applications are reviewed twice per year by the Prevention and Population Research Committee. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to £500,000 per project - Project duration: Flexible, up to 3 years - Requests above £500,000 or longer durations may be considered with strong justification and prior discussion with the funder - Funding covers salaries (postdoctoral researchers, technical staff), running costs, and equipment (up to £50,000 per item) - Early- to mid-career researchers may request salary support under specific conditions --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institute - Postdoctoral experience or equivalent is required - All career stages are eligible; early-career lead applicants should include at least one established researcher as co-applicant - Host institution approval is required before submission - Collaborative projects across UK institutions are encouraged; international and commercial collaborators can participate as co-investigators - For interventional trials, an initial expression of interest is required before invitation to apply --- ## Application Process - Strongly recommended to contact the funder for informal discussion at least one month before submission - Applications submitted via the [Flexi-Grant system](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system) - Interventional trials: Submit an outline application (if required) before full application - Full applications must include: research proposal (max 2,500 words), narrative CVs, justification appendix, patient and public involvement plan, data sharing plan, letters of support, and required declarations - All applications are peer-reviewed and assessed on scientific quality, relevance, impact, team composition, and patient/public involvement --- ## Additional Information - Projects must align with Cancer Research UK’s [prevention research strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy/prevention-and-population-research) - Infrastructure support and projects focused solely on relapse/recurrence prevention or clinical pathway audits are not eligible - Career breaks, flexible or part-time working, and changes in discipline are accommodated in application assessment - Five-year rolling success rate for this scheme is approximately 37% - Feedback is provided, but resubmissions are only allowed if recommended by the committee --- ## External Links - [Scheme Overview and Application Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/prevention-and-population-research-project-awards) - [Flexi-Grant System](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system) - [Prevention Research Strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy/prevention-and-population-research) - [Full Costs Guidance](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) - [Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/competency-framework) - [Contact Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Region | Contact | Email | |--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | London & South of England (incl. Ox/Cam) | Dr Nikita Dhillon | [pprc@cancer.org.uk](mailto:pprc@cancer.org.uk) | | Rest of England, Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland | Dr Phoebe Crawley | [pprc@cancer.org.uk](mailto:pprc@cancer.org.uk) | | General Enquiries | Cancer Research UK Support | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | | Phone | | 020 7242 0200 | ---

Prevention and Population Project Award

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