Introduction

The Cancer Research UK Biology to Prevention Award is a funding scheme designed to support translational research that leverages biological and mechanistic insights to identify new targets and approaches for cancer prevention. The scheme encourages applications from researchers at all career stages, including those from non-traditional cancer prevention fields, to foster innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to reducing cancer risk and incidence.

Scope of Work

The award supports a range of projects, from exploratory pilot studies to longer-term projects with strong preliminary data. The research should focus on:

• Validating potential new prevention targets based on biological insights into early pre/cancerous changes.

• Developing and establishing proof of principle for novel preventive approaches (pharmacological, dietary, behavioral, or immunological).

• Developing novel approaches to treating, eliminating, or modulating pre-cancerous lesions or changes.

• Using mechanistic insight or risk stratification to better target existing preventive approaches.

• Understanding the biological mechanisms mediating cancer risk from modifiable risk factors to reduce that risk.

• Gaining a mechanistic understanding of how repurposed drugs/dietary compounds confer their cancer preventive properties.

• Identifying and validating biomarkers/surrogate endpoints to predict future cancer emergence or the preventive effect of interventions.

• Developing novel approaches to prevention research using surrogate endpoints and innovative trial designs.

Eligibility

• Applicants should have some postdoctoral experience or equivalent.

• Applicants should be scientists, clinicians, or healthcare workers in UK universities, medical schools, hospitals, or research institutes (including Cancer Research UK-funded Institutes).

• Early career researchers are encouraged to apply as co- or principal applicants, ideally with mentorship from an established researcher.

Budget and Duration

• Funding Amount: Flexible, starting from around £100k up to £600k.

• Duration: Project dependent (up to 5 years).

Key Dates

• Full Application Deadline: December 12, 2024

• Committee Review: May 2025

Application Process

• This scheme operates a closed round, requiring applicants to contact the CRUK office for an informal discussion before submitting an application.

• Applications must be submitted online through the Flexi-Grant system: https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/.

• Applications undergo a multi-stage review process, including peer review by an Expert Review Panel and a Patient and Public Involvement Review Panel, before a final decision is made by the Prevention and Population Research Committee.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Scientific excellence: Strong scientific rationale and methodology.

• Cancer prevention-relevance: Potential to advance understanding or improve cancer prevention strategies.

• Track record: Demonstrated excellence and potential for outstanding results from the applicant and team.

• Excellent team and collaborative environment: Suitability and feasibility of the team and resources.

• Alignment with CRUK's Research Strategy and Prevention Research Strategy: Addressing priorities and portfolio fit.

Contact Information

• For London and The South of England (including Oxford, Cambridge, and Bristol):

  • Dr. Alice Burke, Research Grants Manager

  • Email: pprc@cancer.org.uk

• For the rest of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland:

  • Ms. Emily Friar, Research Grants Manager

  • Email: pprc@cancer.org.uk