# Spotlight Call: Reducing Inequalities in Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis (Primer Award)

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Application:** Applications reviewed via standard Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee (EDDRC) process
**Frequency:** Continuous
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/early-detection-diagnosis-primer-award
**Last updated:** 7 Sept 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Funding for research addressing inequalities in cancer early detection and diagnosis, via CRUK's Primer Award scheme, reviewed alongside the full pool of early detection and diagnosis proposals under EDDRC.

## Summary

Cancer Research UK's Spotlight Call within the Primer Award scheme funds research tackling inequalities in cancer early detection and diagnosis. It is open to researchers in the UK and is reviewed twice a year alongside the full pool of early detection and diagnosis proposals under CRUK's Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee (EDDRC).

## Who should apply

- Researchers based at UK institutions
- Focus on inequalities in cancer early detection or diagnosis
- Projects suited to the Primer Award scheme's scope and scale
- Applicants comfortable being reviewed alongside general early detection and diagnosis proposals

## Key dates

- Funding rounds held twice a year, on a continuous rolling basis
- Applications reviewed through the standard EDDRC committee process

## Tips for applicants

- Frame the proposal explicitly around inequalities in early detection or diagnosis, since it competes within the broader EDDRC pool rather than a ring-fenced budget.
- Align the proposal's scope and format with CRUK's standard Primer Award expectations, as it goes through the same review process as other early detection and diagnosis submissions.
- Because rounds run twice yearly, check the current EDDRC deadline early to plan the standard review timeline.

## Frequently asked questions

### How often does the CRUK Spotlight Call on cancer inequalities accept applications?

Funding rounds are held twice a year on a continuous basis.

### Who can apply to the CRUK Primer Award for this Spotlight Call?

Researchers based in the UK (GB) working on inequalities in cancer early detection and diagnosis are eligible.

### How are applications to this Spotlight Call reviewed?

They go through CRUK's standard Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee (EDDRC) process, alongside the full pool of early detection and diagnosis proposals.

### Is this a separate funding pot from other CRUK Primer Awards?

No, Spotlight Call proposals are reviewed alongside the full pool of early detection and diagnosis proposals under EDDRC rather than in a separate competition.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-spotlight-call-reducing-inequalities-in-cancer-ear-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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