Apply for a grant

COMING SOON: Early diagnosis Project Grants funding call planned for launch in late January 2025!

Introduction

We’re excited to share that we’re planning to open applications for our next early diagnosis project grants in the new year. Researchers will have the opportunity to apply for up to £165,000 for a project lasting up to three years.

We’re looking for innovations in bowel cancer diagnosis and screening, like achieving a ‘stage shift,’ as well as vital improvements to existing systems. It’s not just about discovering new methods — strengthening and enhancing what’s already working is equally important. Together, these advances can help more people benefit sooner and drive better outcomes for everyone.

Background

Currently, fewer than 40% of people are diagnosed at stage 1 and 2 when bowel cancer is most treatable and curable. We want to secure a future where most people are diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. Bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK. However, it shouldn't be because it is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early.

Remit and eligibility

Proposals must address one of the areas highlighted in Goal 1 of our Research Strategy, which focuses on removing barriers to early and timely diagnosis: 

• Stratify populations based on their risk of developing bowel cancer, with a focus on people with high-risk conditions 

• Improve the sensitivity, acceptability, and coverage of bowel cancer screening tests 

• Enhance the diagnosis of bowel cancer and how the right treatment options are chosen  

Applicants are expected to have some preliminary data to support the application. Funding can cover salaries and consumables (that are direct costs of the project including animal costs). 

The Lead Applicant must have a strong track record in conducting research and be based in (and contracted with) a recognised academic or clinical institution in the UK for the duration of the grant award. We will not cover salary costs for individuals whose salaries are funded by other means, or any applicants or named staff who hold tenured positions. If you are seeking salary costs for the lead applicant, please contact the research team to discuss this.

We will not accept applications that are:

• Discovery science and research without a clear path to clinical impact in the next 5-10 years
• For further education, e.g. MSc/PhD and course fees
• For Clinical Research Training Fellowships
• For work primarily undertaken outside the UK
• For ‘top up’ funding for specific projects already supported by other funding bodies

Patient involvement

Applicants are strongly encouraged to actively involve patient representatives from the outset to help shape and deliver their research project from early design through to the dissemination of results. The involvement of people affected by bowel cancer can lead to better quality and therefore, more fundable, applications. If you'd like us to connect you with a patient representative, please complete this request form.

How to apply

Estimated application window: The call is planned for late January 2025, with a proposed deadline of early April 2025.

Further details on the application and assessment process including timelines will follow nearer to the time of call launch.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an application with the Research team, please email research@bowelcanceruk.org.uk.

To keep up to date about our future funding calls, sign up for grant round notifications. 

Further information

• Read about our previously funded projects
• Following receipt of applications, the Scientific Advisory Board will carry out an initial assessment. Learn more about our expert review process
• Read our FAQs on applying for a grant with us
• Find out more about involving patients in your research