Funding for researchersFunding for researchers
Video summary: How can we create the best culture and environment for our researchers? Our researchers talk about the importance of fostering a collaborative environment in cancer research, integrating diverse specialties, and encouraging new researchers. This video was first recorded in 2023. Download the video transcript in Microsoft Word CRUK Culture & Environment 2024 video transcript
We support outstanding research
We invest in exceptional scientists and can support you throughout your career.
We fund individual projects and fellowships, large-scale team science programmes, multidisciplinary collaborations and international consortia.
Our research strategy
Making discoveries. Driving progress. Bringing hope.
Our strategy shapes how we'll discover more about how cancer develops and progresses to unlock new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat it.
Research opportunities
We fund research across four primary objectives – discovery, detection, prevention and treatment – to build a deeper understanding of every aspect of cancer that will ultimately lead to longer, healthier lives.
Discovery
Research in fundamental biology, genetics and immunology, biomarker discovery and preclinical studies, imaging and radiotherapy.
Prevention
Research into cancer epidemiology, risk, incidence, survival and preventative interventions including fundamental biological insights related to cancer prevention.
Detection
Research in early detection of cancers and pre-cancerous changes, underlying biology of cancers, cancer emergence and progression.
Clinical
Research across the clinical and translational pathway, including high-impact early phase and first-in-human trials and ambitious and innovative trial design.
Other opportunities
We also support research and translation that spans our four key objectives. Access the support you need to maximise the impact of your work in these areas.
Cancers of unmet need
Our world-class research network
Our institutes and centres
Our research institutes in Scotland, Cambridge, Manchester and London provide an exceptional environment for discovery science. Our centres network is training scientists to drive translational research.
Our national network
We support a dynamic and responsive research environment. Our thriving UK-wide ecosystem has capabilities across the research and translational pipelines.
Our research partnerships
We work with academic, not-for-profit, government and corporate partners around the world to achieve our vision for a better future.
Research careers and support
Develop your research career
We develop outstanding cancer researchers through funding, mentoring and coaching, training and networking opportunities.
Thrive in an inclusive culture
We use our voice as a research funder to bring about change, shape and influence research environments to be inclusive, open and supportive.
Access entrepreneurial support
Our translational arm, Cancer Research Horizons, offers training and support that will help you build a business and translate your research into real-world impact for patients.
Research conferences
We host research conferences, meetings and workshops. Join us to hear about the latest science, present your own research and network with our exceptional community.
Coming up next
Name: The Cancer Prevention Conference
Date: 25-27 June 2025
Location: Leonardo Royal Hotel London, UK
Latest news and features
Research with Integrity – the pitfalls and potential of generative AI
A few years into the generative AI revolution, Andrew Porter looks at where we are now with these new tools, and what researchers need to think about before diving in.
Research is Beautiful – the best of the rest
Huge round of applause for all those who submitted entries last month – your images were fantastic – here are a few of our top picks from the rest of February’s entries.
The keys to paediatric precision
We grabbed Dr Sally George of the SMPaeds study for some quick-fire questions on targeted treatments, monitoring circulating tumour DNA and precision medicine for young cancer patients.
Subscribe for email updates
Be the first to hear about the latest opportunities for researchers with our monthly Research Update email newsletter – featuring funding opportunities, events and conferences, plus important news about our research strategy and policies.