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.
Read our overarching research strategyWe 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.
Research in fundamental biology, genetics and immunology, biomarker discovery and preclinical studies, imaging and radiotherapy.
Research in early detection of cancers and pre-cancerous changes, underlying biology of cancers, cancer emergence and progression.
Research into cancer epidemiology, risk, incidence, survival and preventative interventions including fundamental biological insights related to cancer prevention.
Research across the clinical pathway, including high-impact early phase and first-in-human trials and ambitious and innovative trial design.
We also support research and translation that spans our strategic priorities. Access the support you need to maximise the impact of your work in these areas.
Discover support to maximise the impact of your research data.
Explore our work in brain, lung, oesophagus, pancreas, liver and stomach cancers.
Get involved in children’s and young people’s cancer research.
Translate your research into real-world impact
Our four core-funded research institutes are based in Scotland, Cambridge, Manchester and London.
Our seven translational research centres are located in Cambridge, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Scotland.
We support a thriving UK-wide ecosystem with capabilities across the research and translational pipeline.
We work with academic, not-for-profit, government and corporate partners around the world.
We develop outstanding cancer researchers through funding, mentoring and coaching, training and networking opportunities.
We use our voice as a research funder to bring about change, shape and influence research environments to be inclusive, open and supportive.
Our translational arm, Cancer Research Horizons, offers support wherever you are in the translational pathway.
We host scientific and translational conferences, workshops, webinars and other events. Join us to hear about the latest science, present your own research and network with our exceptional community.
Browse our upcoming events and conferences
Our Cancer Prevention Research Conference is run in partnership with the American Cancer Society. This event is building a multidisciplinary community to foster new collaborations and enable advances in future cancer prevention approaches. The next conference will be held 3-5 June in Atlanta, USA.
Our relaunched Research is Beautiful image competition continues to inspire with some fantastic entries! Meet our March winner Jonathan Burden, and learn more about the science behind his image.
As his tenure as our chief clinician comes to an end – we caught up with Charles Swanton to talk legacy, the path from discovery research to the clinic and conceptual shifts.
What happens when you dare scientists, clinicians and industry to think differently about cancer? They do just that. Iain Foulkes takes us through the excitement, ambition and hope of the Cancer Grand Challenges Summit.
Be the first to hear about the latest opportunities for researchers with our weekly Research Update email newsletter – featuring funding and training opportunities, conferences and publications plus important news about our research strategy and policies.