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
Organised by us, European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), and Unicancer, MAP Congress brings together leading experts in oncology, molecular diagnostics and precision medicine. This event provides a platform to strengthen connections across disciplines and accelerate the translation of molecular insights into clinical practice. It will be held on 10-11 September 2026 in London, UK.
As we launch our new Data Science in Cancer Research strategy, Melissa Lewis-Brown talks about the importance of AI and data science for cancer researchers, and why a responsible approach is an absolute must.
AI could transform cancer research, and the UK has the ambition to lead. But the science will only deliver in full if we get the foundations right first – here Shivani Sinha tells us how we can ensure just that.
Shoba Dawson has founded and co-led numerous research inclusion projects alongside underrepresented groups in the UK. We caught up with her to share her experience, get some practical insight into embedding inclusivity in research and find out what still needs to change.
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