Cancer Research UK
Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award
Further cut-off June 2027
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The Cancer Research UK Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award funds discovery-to-translational research on early detection and diagnosis, with up to £500,000 over four years. The call is open to scientists, clinicians and healthcare workers based at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutes, and welcomes collaborative applications across institutions and with international or commercial partners. Annual rounds close in December, with the next deadline 3 December 2026.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £500k |
| Deadline | 3 December 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 4 years |
| Consortium | Optional — applications from research teams across institutions encouraged; international/commercial partners may join as co-investigators or collaborators |
| Application | Single stage: Flexi-Grant application following informal discussion with CRUK, reviewed by Expert Review Panel and Patient and Public Review Panel before committee decision |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Next round | 2027-06 |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Funds exceptional science from discovery through translational research to improve early detection and diagnosis of cancer/pre-cancer. Applicants must be based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institute; open to all career stages, with mentorship encouraged for early-career lead applicants.
Who Should Apply
- •Scientists, clinicians or healthcare workers employed at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institute
- •Researchers developing discovery-stage and translational early detection and diagnosis projects
- •Applicants with collaborators from other UK institutions, international or commercial partners
- •Researchers planning equipment purchases under £50k (purchases above £50k require prior funder discussion)
Key Dates
- •Applications open 10 September 2026, deadline 3 December 2026
- •Single-stage submission and peer review process
- •Project duration up to four years; annual call cycle with next round in June 2027
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Equipment purchases above £50k must be pre-approved by Cancer Research UK before submission, contact the funder in advance if your project requires this.
- ✓Patient and Public Review Panel review all applications; write a clear lay summary that explains the clinical significance and potential patient benefit of early detection or diagnosis.
- ✓Consortium applications are encouraged and often stronger; include named collaborators from other institutions and confirm their commitment with formal letters of support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Cancer Research UK Early Detection and Diagnosis Award pay?
Up to £500,000 over a project duration of up to four years.
Who is eligible to apply for this Cancer Research UK award?
Scientists, clinicians and healthcare workers employed at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutes who are fully funded by their host institution for the award duration.
Can I include international collaborators?
Yes, international and commercial organisations may be included as co-investigators or collaborators alongside your UK-based team.
When is the deadline for the Early Detection and Diagnosis Award?
The next deadline is 3 December 2026; applications open 10 September 2026. Annual rounds continue with the following call opening in June 2027.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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