The adult ECMC network is reviewed every five years to ensure it continues to support centres with the capability, leadership, critical mass and ambition to deliver world-leading early-phase oncology research and contribute to the network's strategic priorities.
The outline application stage for this review is now open. This provides an initial assessment of organisational readiness before invitation to the full application stage.
Current ECMCs do not need to submit an outline application.
Outline applications are reviewed by an expert review panel against the published evaluation criteria. The panel will consider each applicant’s:
strategic vision
scientific capability
clinical infrastructure
leadership
collaboration
organisational readiness
Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application for comprehensive assessment. Progression through the initial outline application does not guarantee designation as an ECMC.
The ECMC network is a UK-wide partnership of specialist adult and paediatric centres. Together, they deliver high-quality early-phase clinical trials.
The network is jointly funded by Cancer Research UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in England, and the Health Departments of the UK nations.
ECMC funding helps sites build the capacity needed to deliver more commercial and non-commercial early-phase oncology research. It provides the infrastructure needed to support this work.
Alongside clinical trials, the network strengthens workforce capability, advances translational research and supports meaningful patient and public involvement.
The network maintains a broad portfolio while recognising areas of strategic priority/unmet need such as brain, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver and stomach cancer. This maximises patient impact and supports research across various treatment types, disease areas and cancer stages.
Find out more about the ECMC network
Outline applications open | 12 October 2026 |
Outline applications close | 17 November 2026 |
Application panel review | January 2027 |
Outcomes communicated | February 2027 |
Full applications open | February 2027 |
Full applications close | Summer 2027 |
Panel review | Autumn 2027 |
Outcomes communicated | Winter 2027 |
New funding period starts | April 2028 |
No funding is provided at the outline application stage.
The adult ECMC network uses a three-tier funding model. Tier 1 receives the highest level of infrastructure funding and Tier 3 receives the lowest.
This funding supports the infrastructure needed to deliver commercial and non-commercial early-phase oncology research. It is mainly used for staff costs, such as research nurses, trial coordinators, data managers and laboratory research staff. Other essential infrastructure costs may also be supported where there is a clear justification.
If successful at the outline application stage, new applicants will be eligible to apply for funding of around £300k to £400k per year. Once part of the adult ECMC network, centres can apply for a higher funding level at the next five-year funding review. Applications for increased funding must demonstrate the capability, capacity and impact needed to justify the higher funding. These applications will be assessed by a review panel.
We invite applications from UK organisations that are not currently part of the adult ECMC network. Applications must include at least one NHS Trust or Health Board and one or more university partners.
This funding supports early-phase experimental cancer medicine. It focuses on the development and delivery of innovative oncology trials and related translational research.
Phase 1 and Phase 2 oncology trials such as first-in-human, first-in-class, dose-escalation studies, precision medicine, biomarker-led trials and trials involving complex or innovative designs, including adaptive, platform, basket or umbrella approaches (all treatment modalities are in remit, including experimental cancer surgery, imaging, radiotherapy and radiopharmaceutical studies)
translational research embedded within early-phase trials, including biomarker discovery, validation, pharmacodynamic studies, imaging, genomics, immunology or other laboratory–clinical research
translational research embedded within early-phase trials, including biomarker discovery, validation, pharmacodynamic studies, imaging, genomics, immunology and the development or evaluation of medical technologies, diagnostics and devices, or other laboratory–clinical research
early-phase studies addressing areas of unmet need, including rare cancers or underserved patient populations
a clear strategic vision for early-phase oncology research and future plans of development
strong translational science linked to clinical delivery
evidence of leadership and multidisciplinary collaboration
appropriate clinical, laboratory and research infrastructure
the ability to deliver innovative early-phase oncology studies
a strong and sustainable early-phase clinical trial portfolio
institutional commitment to support ECMC activities across the network
collaborative working and contribution to the wider research landscape
evidence that joining the network will improve patient access to early-phase clinical trials
a strong and sustainable multidisciplinary workforce, with the capability to support delivery of early-phase oncology research
evidence of meaningful patient and public involvement in the development and delivery of ECMC activities
demonstrable ambition and evidence to increase recruitment targets and speed of set up to under 150 days, with centres expected to apply the same priority to commercial and non-commercial trials in meeting this target
The ECMC five-year review is a two-stage process. Organisations that are not already in the ECMC network must first submit an outline application. Those invited to progress will then submit a full application.
At the outline application stage, organisations that are not currently part of the ECMC network must demonstrate the strategic vision, capability and institutional commitment needed to become part of the network.
Applications should be concise and evidence based. The application form includes word limits and further guidance for each section.
Applicants may be required to provide supplementary information and supporting documentation:
institutional approvals and declarations
organisational contact details
supporting information requested within the application form
declaration of any use of generative AI tools in preparing the application (where applicable)
Successful applicants will be invited to submit a full application. The assessment will look in more detail at organisational capability, including scientific excellence, operational delivery, infrastructure, leadership, contribution to the network and future strategy. Further guidance will be provided to shortlisted applicants.
Please contact the ECMC programme office if you have any questions about your eligibility or general queries regarding your application. Click here to email us at ecmcadmin@cancer.org.uk.
