Cancer Research UK
Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award
Full application deadline; outline deadline 11 September 2026
Last updated:
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.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £2.5m |
| Deadline | 21 January 2027 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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