Prospective Sample Collection Awards
About this scheme
Key information
This scheme accepts applications for sample collections that offer a unique opportunity to collect samples within a clinical trial which have the potential to be of future value, but for which a specific research question(s) cannot yet be generated.
A unique opportunity is defined as sample collections within rare cancers or subtypes, those with associated distinct longitudinal data or those within the CRUK cancers of unmet need.
Where samples are being collected to address a specific research question, alternative schemes should be used:
- Where samples are being collected to inform the research question being addressed by a clinical trial: Feasibility Study Award or Late Phase Clinical Trial Award.
- Where samples are being collected to undertake biomarker development and validation applications: Biomarker Project Award.
Applicants must be from a UK university, research institution, clinical centre or clinical trials unit (CTU).
Through the award we support the collection and pre-storage processing of blood and block samples. Collection of other sample types is also considered where justified.
Funding is not provided for for the long term storage of samples.
It is expected that staff salaries will be covered through other infrastructure funding, but under exceptional circumstances some staff support may be considered where appropriate justification is provided.
How to apply to this scheme
Overview of the application process
Applications for this scheme are considered twice a year. The next application deadline after December 2017 will be in June 2018.
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7th December 2017 |
Full application deadline |
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March 2018 |
Expert Review Panel meeting |
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May 2018 |
Clinical Research Committee meeting (final decision) |
Before you begin your application
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You must provide the Clinical Research Funding team with a two page proposal describing your proposed study. After we have checked that your proposal is within remit you’ll be able to begin your application.
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You must read the application guidelines (PDF) before starting your application, even if you have applied for funding with us before
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You must read the costs guidance (PDF) to understand what we will and will not fund
Under exceptional circumstances, applications for extensions to funding are accepted under this scheme, where an application is being made to extend the associated trial and further sample collection is being proposed. Please contact the Clinical Research Funding team to discuss the need for an extension, and for access to an extension application form.
Requests for no-cost extensions can be made by submitting the no-cost extension request form to the Clinical Research Funding team.
Yes. Amendments to sample collections must be reviewed by the Committee where there is a change to the sample size or the nature of samples to be collected. There are two routes for review of amendments:
- Review at a Committee meeting: this applies where additional funding is being requested. An amendment application must be submitted to the advertised full application deadline for that funding round and will be reviewed at a Committee meeting.
- Out of Committee Review: this applies where no funding is being requested for the amendment. An amendment application must be submitted, which will be reviewed outside of the Committee meeting. A faster review is usually possible for this route.
Requests for no-cost extensions can be made by submitting the no-cost extension request form to the Clinical Research Funding team.
Our priorities are set out in our Clinical Research Statement of Intent.
Applications are assessed by the Clinical Expert Review Panel. Final funding recommendations are made by the Clinical Research Committee (CRC).
If you have an application currently under consideration you can expect to hear the outcome in early December.
You must contact a funding manager to discuss you proposal before starting your application.
Applications from Wales
Dr Caroline Dalton
Senior Research Funding Manager
clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk
Tel: 020 3469 8860
Applications from London
Mr Ewan Hughes McInnes
Research Funding Manager
clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk
Tel: 020 3469 6532
Applications from Northern England and Scotland
Ms Caroline Glover
Research Funding Manager
clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk
Tel: 0203 469 8934
Applications from Southern England, the Midlands and Northern Ireland
Ms Kirsty Tunna
Research Funding Manager
clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk
Tel: 0203 469 5800
Useful resources
Designing a clinical trial or study is a complex task, with many practical and regulatory hurdles to cross. Our Funding Managers share 13 resources to help you find advice and navigate the complexities of your study design and application.