The CRUK Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award funds long-term, integrated and renewable programmes of exceptional science to transform how and when early cancers and pre-cancerous states are diagnosed.
Career level: Established independent researcher; Non-clinical researcher; Clinician.
Timelines: Applications are reviewed twice per year. Upcoming deadline: (full) 22 January 2026 / (outline) 26 March 2026
Funding period: Up to 5 years
Funding amount: Up to £2.5million
Eligibility
You must be:
- A scientist, clinician or healthcare worker
- Based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, CRUK Institute or other research institution for the duration of the award
- Able to demonstrate extensive postdoctoral experience and ability to successfully run an independent research group
You must contact CRUK for an informal and confidential discussion of your proposal prior to submitting your application. They will advise on your eligibility and provide guidance on submitting your application.
Email: early.detection@cancer.org.uk
Scientific remit
You can apply for a Programme Award in any number or combination of areas relevant to cancer early detection and diagnosis. Examples of areas in remit that we will consider include:
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the discovery and validation of signatures for the detection of early cancer/pre-cancer including the development of the technologies to enable this
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development and validation of tests and other interventions to enable early detection and diagnosis
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clinical trials of early detection and diagnosis technologies and approaches
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early detection and diagnosis health systems
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clinician behaviour and decision support
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understanding and intervening in public behaviour to enhance early detection and diagnosis
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health economics of early detection and diagnosis research