Cancer Research UK
Early Detection and Diagnosis Project Award
Applications open 10 Sept 2026; next round Jun 2027
Last verified:
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 — collaborative applications from research teams across different UK institutions are encouraged; international and commercial organisations may be included as co-investigators/collaborators |
| Application | Single stage: submit via Flexi-Grant → Expert Review Panel peer review → Patient and Public Review Panel → Early Detection and Diagnosis Research Committee decision |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Open to scientists, clinicians or healthcare workers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institute. Applicant must in most cases be fully funded by the host institution for the award duration. Funds early detection/diagnosis research from discovery to translational; excludes late-stage disease research. Equipment requests above £50k require prior discussion.
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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