# Clinical Research Funding Scheme

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Flexible; module dependent
**Deadline:** 3 December 2026 (Full application deadline; outline deadline 7 September 2026)
**Duration:** Typically up to 10 years; longer durations possible if justified
**Consortium:** Required - UKCRC registered clinical trials unit must coordinate the clinical trial/study
**Application:** 3-stage: expression of interest → outline application → full application
**Frequency:** Biannual
**Next round:** 2027-01
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/clinical-research-funding-scheme
**Last updated:** 18 Oct 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Modular scheme (Clinical Trial, Experimental Medicine, Sample Collection modules) for investigator-led clinical research at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals, UKCRC-registered clinical trials units or research institutions. Requires a UKCRC registered clinical trials unit to coordinate the trial/study; industry-sponsored trials not eligible.

## Summary

Cancer Research UK's Clinical Research Funding Scheme supports investigator-led clinical trials and associated translational research in cancer, with flexible budgets and durations of up to 10 years. The scheme is open to UK-based researchers at universities, hospitals, medical schools, and UKCRC-registered clinical trial units. All trials must be coordinated by a UKCRC-registered CTU and industry-sponsored trials are ineligible.

## Who should apply

- UK-based investigators at universities, medical schools, hospitals, or UKCRC-registered clinical trial units
- Researchers designing investigator-led clinical trials in cancer
- Applicants with trials coordinated by a UKCRC-registered CTU
- Teams with translational or experimental medicine components alongside the trial

## Key dates

- Outline application deadline 7 September 2026
- Full application deadline 3 December 2026 (closed round; contact clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk at least 2 weeks prior)
- Up to 10-year project duration (longer durations considered if justified)

## Tips for applicants

- All proposals require coordination by a UKCRC-registered CTU; confirm this is in place before outlining.
- Contact clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk at least two weeks before the full application deadline; this is a closed round with pre-registration requirement.
- The two-stage format means outline feedback is minimal, use the outline to confirm eligibility and CTU support rather than seek detailed critique.

## Frequently asked questions

### What types of cancer research does this scheme fund?

Investigator-led clinical trials and associated translational or experimental medicine research in cancer. Industry-sponsored trials are ineligible.

### What is the budget for Cancer Research UK Clinical Research Funding?

Budgets are flexible and module-dependent; there is no stated cap. Durations of up to 10 years are supported, with longer periods considered if justified.

### Who can apply for this scheme?

UK-based investigators at universities, medical schools, hospitals, UKCRC-registered clinical trial units, or other recognised research institutions.

### Do I need a clinical trial unit to apply?

Yes; all applications must have a UKCRC-registered CTU coordinating the trial or study.

### What is the outline deadline?

The outline application deadline is 7 September 2026; the full application deadline is 3 December 2026.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-clinical-research-funding-scheme-2026-12) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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