Our researcher prizes

IMPORTANT UPDATE - 2 April 2020

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, we have made the decision to postpone the 2020 round of our Researcher Prizes until 2021. Those who have been nominated for the 2020 round will be contacted in due course. 

Nominations for PhD students who would have been eligible for the 2020 round will be accepted for the next round in 2021 once open.

If you have any further queries about the 2020 round, please contact the team via email at prizes@cancer.org.uk.

Research Prizes

Our Research Prizes recognise and reward outstanding cancer research leaders. Our prizes honour those who have made exceptional advances, and nurture the next generation of research leaders.

The Lifetime Achievement in Cancer Research Prize honours an individual who has demonstrated a lifetime commitment to the fight against cancer, making exceptional advances in the field, and has made significant contributions through research, leadership, collaboration and/or mentorship.

The Future Leaders in Cancer Research Prizes recognise individuals who have demonstrated the potential to achieve world-leading status by producing research of international importance.

Student Prizes

At Cancer Research UK we support the brightest minds throughout their training and careers. Our annual student prizes recognise the achievements of CRUK-funded PhD students.

The Pontecorvo Prize is awarded to the CRUK-funded student who has produced the best PhD thesis and made the most outstanding contribution to scientific knowledge in their field.

Engagement Prizes

At CRUK we understand the value of research engagement and patient involvement with the research that we fund. We know that to have an impact, the results of our work must reach patients, fundraising supporters, and the general public. We also appreciate the value of involving people affected by cancer in research. To give both research engagement and patient involvement the recognition they deserve, we award three prizes:
 

The Inspiring Leadership in Research Engagement Prize honours an individual and team members who have demonstrated strategic commitment to public engagement with science and have embedded a culture of public engagement within their institution or research group.

The Rising Star in Research Engagement Prize recognises an individual who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to stimulating interest in cancer research among the general public and/or Cancer Research UK supporters.

Patient Involvement in Research Prize recognises an individual or team who involve people affected by cancer in research in a high quality and meaningful way.

Celebrating our 2018 prize winners

Our 2016 Prizewinners

We've awarded our annual research prizes, which this year celebrate a lifetime in cancer biology, an early diagnosis champion, and three leaders of tomorrow.

Celebrating our Engagement Prize winners

2017 Cancer Research UK Engagement Prize winners

We've awarded our Research Engagement Prizes to four outstanding researchers, recognising their extraordinary commitment in actively engaging and involving the public and patients with science.

Past prizes

We're no longer awarding new prizes in these categories, but you can still find out about the outstanding researchers who won these prizes.

The Translational Cancer Research Prize recognised the cutting edge breakthroughs of outstanding research teams that united in the quest to ensure scientific discoveries benefit patients and the public.

The Jane Wardle Prevention and Early Diagnosis Prize recognised individuals who produced world-leading research in the field of prevention and early detection of cancer.

The Communications and Brand Ambassador Prize recognised inspiring communicators of CRUK-funded research to the public through media work.

How to make a nomination

Nominations for our Research Prizes, Student Prize and Research Engagement Prizes are postponed until Spring 2021. If you have any queries, please get in contact with the team via email at prizes@cancer.org.uk.