Prospective Sample Collection Awards
About this scheme
Key information
This scheme accepts applications that offer a unique opportunity to collect samples within a clinical trial either where specific research question(s) cannot yet be generated, or where specific questions have been generated but the funding to carry out that work has been or will be obtained elsewhere. A unique opportunity might include sample collections within rare cancers or rare subtypes, those with associated distinct longitudinal data or collections in cancers of unmet need.
Applicants must be from a UK university, research institution, clinical centre or clinical trials unit (CTU).
Applications where samples are being collected to undertake biomarker assay development, qualification and validation should be directed to the Biomarker Project Award scheme.
Funding is provided for running expenses associated with the collection and pre-storage processing of blood and block samples. Collection of other sample types is also considered where justified.
It is expected that staff salaries will usually be covered through existing infrastructure funding, but some staff support may be considered where appropriate justification is provided.
Funding is not provided for the long-term storage of samples.
How to apply to this scheme
Overview of the application process
Applications for this scheme are considered twice a year and follow a single step process.
|
Full application deadline |
Expert Review Panel meeting |
Clinical Research Committee meeting (final decision) |
|---|---|---|
|
14 June 2018 |
October 2018 |
November 2018 |
| TBC December 2018 | April 2019 | May 2019 |
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
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We expect applications to have been discussed with the relevant NCRI Clinical Studies Group or Advisory Group.
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We expect patient and public involvement to be demonstrated in applications. The CRUK Patient and Public Involvement Toolkit for Researchers is a useful source of advice.
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The NIHR CRN can provide support on a number of aspects of study development, set up and delivery through their Study Support Service. Applications must be costed in line with AcoRD guidance.
Under exceptional circumstances, applications for extensions to funding are accepted under this scheme. Please contact the Clinical Research Funding team to discuss the need for an extension and for access to an extension application form. You must read the extension application guidelines (PDF) before starting your application, even if you have applied for funding with us before.
Requests for no-cost extensions are also considered. Please contact the Clinical Research Funding team to discuss the need for an extension and for access to a no-cost extension form.
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 deadline for that funding round and will be reviewed at a Committee meeting. Please contact the Clinical Research Funding team to discuss the need for an amendment and for access to an amendment application form. You must read the amendment application guidelines (PDF) before starting your application, even if you have applied for funding with us before.
- 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. Please contact the Clinical Research Funding team to discuss the need for an amendment and for access to a no-cost amendment form.
The Clinical Research Committee and its Expert Review Panels will judge your proposal based on the following criteria:
- Uniqueness of the opportunity to collect samples
- Potential future value of the proposed sample collection
- Alignment with CRUK Research Strategy and Clinical Research Statement of Intent
- Appropriateness of techniques and procedures, including statistical aspects where applicable
- Adequacy of background information and supporting evidence
- Transparency of arrangements for sample discoverability and access for other research groups
- Expertise of the study team
- Likelihood of successful collection of samples
- Appropriate patient involvement
- Appropriate justification of costs
Applications are assessed by the Clinical Expert Review Panel. Final funding recommendations are made by the Clinical Research Committee (CRC).
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 all other locations
Ms Kirsty Tunna
Research Funding Manager
clinicalresearch@cancer.org.uk
Tel: 0203 469 5080
More opportunities for clinical researchers
We support a broad portfolio of clinical research through grant funding, initiatives and investments in infrastructure, and we have a variety of funding schemes and other opportunities to support your research.
We are also committed to ensuring that clinical academics have the support they need to develop a career in cancer research, and we have a range of opportunities for researchers at all career levels.
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.