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Our research infrastructure

Strategic investment in cancer research

We understand the key role that resources and support systems play in fostering a dynamic and responsive research environment.

Our long-term investment in cutting-edge infrastructure has helped build a thriving network of research across the UK.

Supporting all areas of cancer science and translational research from basic research to late-phase clinical trials, our infrastructure drives innovation and supports close partnerships with universities and the NHS.

Explore our facilities by geographic location

Our centres and institutes

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Institutes

Our four core-funded research institutes provide an exceptional environment for discovery research. They support research across all areas of cancer science, offering state-of-the-art facilities and translational capabilities to accelerate new treatments to people affected by cancer.

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Centres

Our network of seven translational research centres delivers world-leading research and drives local collaborations between universities, NHS hospitals and other research organisations. They play a key role in delivering our strategic objectives in translational research, with each centre contributing its unique expertise.

Our clinical and translational network

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Cancer Research Horizons

Cancer Research Horizons is our translational arm. It works closely with researchers, industry partners and investors to translate cutting-edge innovations into new tools, treatments and diagnostics for people affected by cancer.

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Centre for Drug Development

Our Centre for Drug Development (CDD) partners with biotechs, pharmaceutical companies and academics world-wide to deliver early-phase clinical trials, accelerating the next generation of cancer treatments to patients.

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Experimental cancer medicine centres

The network of 17 adult and 12 paediatric experimental cancer medicine centres (ECMC) across the UK provides a unique service for early phase trials. They support trials from industry and other funders, in addition to treatments we develop and optimise ourselves.

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Clinical trials units

We fund a network of seven clinical trials units providing the academic cancer research community with expertise and support to design, coordinate and run national and international clinical trials.

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Research nurses

Our 15 senior research nurses help deliver clinical research in the NHS across the UK, working closely with researchers at our Centres, Clinical Trials Units and ECMCs. They support patient recruitment and the involvement of people affected by cancer and members of the public in research design.

Other research infrastructure

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RadNet – our radiation network

Our network of seven centres of excellence has access to cutting edge facilities to address the biggest challenges in radiobiology and radiation oncology. With expertise in discovery and clinical research, the sites work together to find ways to make radiotherapy safer and more effective.

Find out more about RadNet

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Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence

Our Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence is a joint initiative between The University of Edinburgh and University College London. It brings together leading experts across multiple disciplines to advance our understanding of cancer biology and develop new brain cancer therapeutics.

Learn about the Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence

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Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence

The centre is hosted by The University of Cambridge and The Institute of Cancer Research. It unites experts in biology, medicinal chemistry and pharmacology to transform the way we develop treatments for children.

Explore the Children's Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence

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Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence

The centre is a partnership between University College London and The University of Cambridge. It unites internationally renowned scientists in translational, clinical and imaging research to improve outcomes for people affected by lung cancer.

Learn about the Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence

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International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection

ACED is a partnership between us, the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, The University of Manchester, the German Cancer Research Center, University College London, Knight Cancer Institute and The University of Cambridge. The Alliance focuses on advancing early detection and working with industry to improve outcomes for patients.

Find out more about ACED

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National Biomarker Centre

Our National Biomarker Centre in Manchester brings together expertise to discover, develop, validate and implement biomarkers. Their work optimises detection, treatment and improves outcomes for people affected by cancer.

Find out about the National Biomarker Centre

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Open Lab initiative

Our Open Lab Initiative brings together UK-based researchers focused on cancer-related studies, connecting groups with shared interests and expertise. It provides an opportunity to spark new ideas, broaden networks and foster new collaborations.

Learn about the Open Lab Initiative

Our network across the UK

We support a thriving UK-wide ecosystem with capabilities across the research and translational pipelines, from basic biological research to the delivery of late-phase clinical trials.

Explore our locations through the list below or by downloading a map of all our sites.

Explore our facilities by geographic location

Institutes

Cambridge, Glasgow, Manchester and Francis Crick Institute

Centres

Cambridge, City of London (King's College London, University College London, Barts Cancer Institute and Francis Crick Institute), Convergence Science Centre (Institute of Cancer Research and Imperial College London), Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Scotland (Edinburgh and Glasgow)

Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence

University College London and The University of Edinburgh

Children’s Brain Tumour Centre of Excellence

The Institute of Cancer Research and the University of Cambridge

Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence

University of Cambridge, London (University College London)

Experimental cancer medicine centres

Adult: Belfast, Birmingham, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Liverpool, Leicester, London (Barts, Imperial College London, The Institute of Cancer Research and The Royal Marsden, Kings Health Partners, University College London), Manchester, Newcastle, Oxford and Southampton

Paediatric: Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, London (The Institute of Cancer Research and University College London/Great Ormond Street Hospital), Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton

Clinical trials units

London (Queen Mary University of London, The Institute of Cancer Research, University College London), University of Birmingham, University of Leeds, Southampton and Oxford

Cancer Research Horizons drug discovery sites

Cambridge (three sites), Glasgow, London, Newcastle

RadNet

Cambridge, Glasgow, Leeds, City of London Centre (King's College London, University College London, Barts, the Francis Crick Institute), The Institute of Cancer Research (London), Manchester and Birmingham

National Biomarker Centre

Manchester

International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection

Cambridge, University College London, Manchester

Formulation unit

Glasgow

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