Deadline: 14-Oct-2025
Entries are now open for the Research Innovation Awards, aiming to create a world where no man dies from prostate cancer. Their Research Strategy focuses on investing in the most innovative research to accelerate understanding of prostate cancer, develop better treatments, and improve diagnostic approaches. The goal is to transform the lives of men living with or at risk of this disease.
They have pinpointed three key areas with significant knowledge gaps and are inviting innovative research proposals in these fields: Better Diagnosis (including risk stratification and disease prognosis), Better Treatment (covering both localized and advanced disease, including improved prediction of effective treatments for individuals), and Smarter Use of Data.
Funding is typically available for projects lasting up to 24 months, with budgets under £100,000. The focus is on establishing proof of principle or generating novel data through hypothesis-led research. Applicants should provide reasonable cost estimates at this stage, covering salary, research expenses, animal purchase and maintenance, and other costs such as conference fees or equipment.
To be eligible, applicants must be established researchers at recognized UK academic or clinical institutions, with a strong track record. Proposals from academics new to prostate cancer research are welcomed if they include a prostate cancer expert as a Joint-lead or Co-Applicant. Lead Applicants should hold tenured or tenure-track positions, or honorary academic contracts for clinical applicants. Early Career Researchers with appropriate mentorship may also apply under certain conditions.
Experienced Early Career Researchers are defined as non-clinical researchers with 5-10 years postdoctoral experience or clinical researchers with 0-5 years. Those applying as Lead Applicants must be actively leading research and dedicate at least 80% effort to the project, with a clear plan to achieve independence by the end of the grant.
Projects can include research conducted outside the UK if there is a collaborating overseas partner, but the majority of research must take place in the UK. Funds are provided in British pounds and institutions must have official anti-bullying and scientific integrity policies.
Applications will not be accepted if they fall outside the Research Strategy, primarily fund equipment or infrastructure, are led by researchers outside the UK, are submitted by commercial organizations, or are incomplete. PhD studentships and Clinical Fellowships are also ineligible.
Applications must be submitted via the online Prostate Cancer UK Grant Tracker. All Lead Applicants, Joint-Leads, and Co-Applicants must confirm and approve their participation. Collaborators must also confirm involvement, and ORCID IDs are requested. Initial expressions of interest do not require departmental or finance approvals, but these will be necessary if shortlisted to the next stage.
For more information, visit Prostate Cancer UK.
