Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award – Ireland

Deadline: 01-Sep-2026

The Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award supports individuals who want to strengthen their skills and involvement in cancer research advocacy and patient and public involvement (PPI). The award provides financial support for training, conferences, workshops and activities that improve patient participation in cancer research.

The programme is designed for cancer research advocates in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, including both new and experienced contributors.

Overview of the Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award

The Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award is an opportunity for individuals who want to develop expertise in cancer research advocacy and contribute to improving patient involvement in cancer research.

The award supports activities that help patients and members of the public participate more effectively in:

• Cancer research decision-making
• Research design and development
• Patient advocacy activities
• Public involvement initiatives
• Research engagement opportunities

The programme aims to strengthen the role of patient voices in shaping cancer research.

Purpose of the Award

The award focuses on building skills and creating opportunities for individuals involved in cancer research advocacy.

Key objectives include:

• Developing advocacy skills
• Increasing patient and public involvement (PPI) in research
• Supporting training and professional development
• Improving access to research engagement activities
• Encouraging patient-led contributions to cancer research

Key Focus Areas

Cancer Research Advocacy

The award supports individuals who want to:

• Understand cancer research processes
• Represent patient perspectives
• Influence research priorities
• Advocate for better patient-centred research

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI)

Patient and Public Involvement means including patients, carers and members of the public as active partners in research rather than only as participants.

Supported activities may help individuals contribute to:

• Research planning
• Research design
• Study review processes
• Communication of research outcomes

Training and Skills Development

Funding can support learning activities that improve:

• Advocacy knowledge
• Communication skills
• Research understanding
• Public engagement capabilities

Conferences, Workshops and Events

The award can support attendance at relevant:

• Conferences
• Training sessions
• Workshops
• Research engagement events
• Advocacy programmes

Funding Amount Available

The award provides financial support for eligible activities.

Funding limits include:

• Up to €2,500 for activities taking place outside the EU or UK
• Up to €2,000 for activities taking place within the EU or UK

The funding is intended to reduce financial barriers to participation in cancer research advocacy activities.

Eligible Costs Covered

The award may cover reasonable costs related to participation, including:

• Event registration fees
• Travel expenses
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Childcare support
• Carer support
• Loss of earnings
• Materials required for activities

Travel and Accommodation Support

Eligible travel costs include:

• Reasonable public transport expenses where possible
• Necessary travel costs for attending approved activities

Accommodation support includes:

• Standard accommodation
• Reasonable rates appropriate for the location

Additional Support Costs

The programme recognises that participation barriers may include personal responsibilities and financial impacts.

Support may include:

• Childcare expenses
• Carer assistance
• Compensation for unpaid time spent participating in activities

Loss of earnings may be calculated using a standard hourly or daily rate.

Eligible Activities Period

Activities funded through this award must take place between:

November 2026 and January 2028

Applicants should ensure their proposed activity falls within this timeframe.

Who Is Eligible?

The award is open to:

• Cancer research advocates
• Patient representatives
• Individuals interested in cancer research involvement
• People developing skills in PPI and advocacy

Applicants must be based in:

• The Republic of Ireland
• Northern Ireland

Experience Requirements

The opportunity welcomes:

• Beginners starting their advocacy journey
• Experienced patient advocates
• Individuals seeking advanced involvement opportunities

Previous recipients may apply again, although preference may be given to first-time applicants.

Can Cancer Professionals Apply?

People working in cancer-related professional roles may also be considered.

Applications from professionals may be accepted if:

• The activity supports advocacy development
• The purpose aligns with patient and public involvement goals
• The proposed activity benefits cancer research engagement

Applicants may need to discuss eligibility with programme organisers.

Is Irish Cancer Society PPI Panel Membership Required?

No.

Membership of the Irish Cancer Society Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Panel is not required to apply.

Individuals interested in developing their skills can apply independently.

How the Award Works

The application process generally involves:

Step 1: Identify a Development Activity

Applicants should select an activity that improves their ability to contribute to cancer research.

Examples include:

• Research conferences
• Advocacy training
• PPI workshops
• Engagement programmes

Step 2: Explain the Purpose

Applicants should describe:

• Why the activity is important
• How it supports advocacy goals
• How it strengthens patient involvement

Step 3: Prepare a Budget

Applicants should include expected costs such as:

• Registration fees
• Travel
• Accommodation
• Support requirements

Step 4: Submit the Application

Applications should demonstrate how the activity will improve the applicant’s contribution to cancer research advocacy.

Why This Award Matters

Patient involvement is increasingly important in cancer research because people affected by cancer bring valuable lived experience.

This award helps:

• Improve research relevance
• Strengthen patient representation
• Build advocacy capacity
• Create more inclusive research systems

Benefits for Participants

Successful applicants can gain:

• New advocacy skills
• Research knowledge
• Networking opportunities
• Confidence in engaging with researchers
• Opportunities to influence cancer research

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Choosing an Unrelated Activity

The proposed activity should clearly connect to:

• Cancer research advocacy
• Patient involvement
• Research engagement

Not Explaining the Impact

Applications should explain:

• What skills will be gained
• How knowledge will be used
• How patients will benefit

Missing Eligible Cost Details

Applicants should provide realistic estimates for:

• Travel
• Accommodation
• Registration
• Support needs

Ignoring Accessibility Needs

Applicants should include any requirements that help them participate fully.

Tips for a Strong Application

A strong application should:

• Clearly explain personal goals
• Show commitment to cancer advocacy
• Describe expected outcomes
• Connect activities to patient involvement
• Provide a realistic budget

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award?

It is a funding opportunity from the Irish Cancer Society that supports individuals developing skills in cancer research advocacy and patient involvement.

2. Who can apply?

Cancer research advocates based in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland can apply, including beginners and experienced contributors.

3. How much funding is available?

Applicants can receive up to €2,000 for activities within the EU or UK and up to €2,500 for activities outside the EU or UK.

4. What can the funding be used for?

Funding can support:

• Conferences
• Workshops
• Training
• Travel
• Accommodation
• Childcare
• Carer support
• Participation-related costs

5. Do applicants need previous advocacy experience?

No. Both new and experienced cancer research advocates are encouraged to apply.

6. Is membership of the Irish Cancer Society PPI Panel required?

No. PPI Panel membership is not required.

7. Can cancer professionals apply?

Yes, professionals may be considered if their proposed activity supports cancer advocacy development and patient involvement.

Conclusion

The Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award provides financial support for individuals who want to strengthen patient voices in cancer research.

By supporting advocacy training, research engagement and patient involvement activities, the award helps create a more inclusive and patient-centred cancer research environment.

For more information, visit Irish Cancer Society.