Apply for a grant
Early diagnosis Project Grants call is now closed.
Introduction
We’re excited to announce that we’re now accepting applications for our 2025 early diagnosis project grants, allowing researchers 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’ in when bowel cancer is diagnosed, 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 those affected by bowel cancer.
Background
Although bowel cancer is the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, it doesn’t have to be — it's treatable and curable, especially if diagnosed early. Currently, however, 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 receive a diagnosis at the earliest possible stage.
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 won't cover salary costs for individuals whose salaries are funded by other means, or any applicants or named staff who hold tenured positions. If you're seeking salary costs for the Lead Applicant, please contact our 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, learn more about our Research Network and complete a form here.
Application and assessment process
1. Application submission
- New to this year. All applications must be completed on our online grants management system
- Applications must be submitted by 11am on Tuesday 1 April 2025
2. Triage
- We'll carry out administrative checks to ensure applications meet the remit and eligibility of the call
3. Expert review
- Eligible applications will undergo international expert review (in line with AMRC guidance) and anonymised reviewer comments will be sent to applicants in mid-June 2025
- Applicants have the opportunity to submit a response to these comments. Learn more about our expert review process here
4. Lay Review Panel
- All applications will be assessed by our patient advocates (a panel consisting of people affected by bowel cancer)
5. Scientific Advisory Board meeting
- Applications will then be assessed by our Scientific Advisory Board in mid-September 2025, who'll make recommendations to our Trustees
6. Notification
- Once the funding recommendations have been approved by our Board of Trustees, we'll notify applicants of the outcome of their application in October 2025. We thank you for your patience during this time
- All awards are made in line with our terms and conditions
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.
Application success rates
- 2024 Project grants call: 25%, 12 applications received
- 2023 Pilot grants call: 55%, 9 applications received
- 2022 Pilot grants call: 24%, 17 applications received
Recently funded projects
Dr Christina Dobson and Dr Laura Woods
Newcastle University
Dr Dobson, Dr Woods and their team are studying the barriers people may face when asked to complete a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) following a visit to their GP for symptoms of possible bowel cancer.
Professor Katie Robb and Dr Stephen McSorley
University of Glasgow
Professor Robb, Dr McSorley and their team are investigating the barriers to surveillance colonoscopy faced by people in areas with more deprivation.
Dr Vladimir Teif and Dr Ralf Zwacka
University of Essex
Dr Teif, Dr Zwacka and their team are developing a new blood test to detect early stage bowel cancer.
Further information
- Learn more about the projects we currently fund
- Read our FAQs on applying for a grant with us
- Find out more about involving patients in your research