# Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Up to £2.5m
**Deadline:** 21 January 2027 (Full application deadline; outline deadline 11 September 2026)
**Duration:** Up to 5 years
**Consortium:** Optional — encourages applications from research teams across institutions, with international/commercial co-investigators and collaborators
**Application:** 2-stage: outline application → full application, reviewed by committee twice a year
**Frequency:** Annual
**Next round:** 2027-03
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/early-detection-diagnosis-programme-award
**Last updated:** 7 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funds long-term, integrated programmes advancing early cancer/pre-cancer detection at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutions. Applicant must be in a post fully funded by a Higher Education Funding Council/NHS or equivalent; equipment costs above £50k need discussion; cannot fund applicant's own salary.

## Summary

The Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award from Cancer Research UK funds long-term, integrated research programmes on early cancer and pre-cancer detection, offering up to £2.5 million over as long as five years. It is open to researchers at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutions who hold a fully funded post via a Higher Education Funding Council, the NHS, or equivalent. Consortium applications spanning multiple institutions, including international or commercial co-investigators, are encouraged but not required.

## Who should apply

- Researchers holding a post funded by a Higher Education Funding Council, NHS, or equivalent body
- Teams based at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutions
- Groups working on integrated, long-term programmes in early cancer or pre-cancer detection
- Applicants able to assemble multi-institutional consortia with international or commercial collaborators

## Key dates

- Full application deadline: 21 January 2027; outline deadline 11 September 2026
- Two-stage process: outline application then full application, reviewed by committee twice a year
- Up to five-year programme duration; call runs annually with the next round expected around March 2027

## Tips for applicants

- Use the outline stage to make the strategic case for early-detection impact; committee review at outline determines who is invited to submit a full application.
- If your project needs equipment over £50k, raise this with CRUK before submitting since it requires prior discussion.
- Remember the award cannot cover the applicant's own salary, so budget justification should focus on team, consumables and infrastructure costs instead.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much funding does the CRUK Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award provide?

Up to £2.5 million for a programme lasting up to five years.

### Who is eligible for the CRUK Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award?

Researchers at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutions who hold a post fully funded by a Higher Education Funding Council, the NHS, or equivalent.

### What is the application process for this award?

It is a two-stage process: an outline application followed by a full application, with both reviewed by committee twice a year.

### Can I include international or industry collaborators?

Yes, consortium applications are optional but encouraged, including international or commercial co-investigators and collaborators.

### When is the outline application deadline?

The outline deadline is 11 September 2026, ahead of the full application deadline of 21 January 2027.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-early-detection-and-diagnosis-programme-award-2027-01) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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