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Discovery research

Our commitment

We support a broad portfolio of discovery research that provides fundamental insight into the mechanisms by which cancer develops, progresses and responds to treatment.

The research we support spans different levels of biological organisation from molecular mechanisms to cellular behaviour and cancer at the whole-body scale. We support multidisciplinary research that aims to create or apply novel technologies and methodologies, including for imaging and radiotherapy, to address previously intractable questions in cancer.

We have a range of grants available for you and your research group, whether you're looking for programme funding for your lab, grants for specific projects or fellowship funding to develop your career.

Explore all funding opportunities

Our priorities

We will transform our fundamental understanding of cancer

  • We will support investigations into all types of cancer, in particular our six cancers of unmet need — brain, liver, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic and stomach cancers and children and young people’s cancer. 

  • We will invest in pioneering research that enhances our understanding of the biology of early, pre-invasive, localised and metastatic disease. 

Explore our work in cancers of unmet need

Explore our work in children's and young people's cancer research

We will help translate scientific discoveries for patient benefit

  • We will support hypothesis-driven cutting-edge research, ranging from discovery science to early-stage translational research, that clearly articulates the potential ultimate patient benefit.

  • We will invest in high-quality research that addresses clinically relevant questions by investigating underpinning biological mechanisms, which can include utilising data-rich sample collections and disease-relevant model systems.

If your research is focused on early detection, prevention or therapeutic development, please view our other funding schemes for opportunities in these areas.

Explore our work in research translation

Our network

Our funded researchers gain access to our network of facilities and resources to support your research.

Our institutes

Our four core-funded research institutes provide an exceptional environment for discovery science. Our institutes are home to research groups working across all areas of cancer science, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. As hubs for discovery research, our institute groups and core facilities are open to collaboration opportunities with the wider cancer research community.

Functional Genomics Centre

The joint AstraZeneca-Cancer Research Horizons Functional Genomics Centre offers access to cutting-edge CRISPR technology to facilitate the creation of new cancer medicines and the improved use of existing cancer medicines. 

Cancer Grand Challenges

Cancer Grand Challenges is a global research initiative that identifies the toughest challenges in cancer research. With awards of up to $25m, it empowers global, interdisciplinary teams to take them on.

Discovery Research Committee

Our Discovery Research Committee is responsible for the strategic development, funding and review, oversight and evaluation of our portfolio of basic, early translational research programme awards.

Learn more about the committee

Recently funded

We fund the best research from across the spectrum of discovery research. You can find out who we have recently funded for a taste of the kinds of projects and programmes that we support.

Explore our recently funded awards

News from our research network 

Explore the latest articles and blogs for researchers, featuring advice, guidance, network updates and research projects.

Image of Lucy Brooks.

The road to curing the incurable

Dr Lucy Brooks tells us about her academic career, research on glioblastoma microenvironment, and why being a part of the Radiation Network has been so valuable.

Headshot of Stephen Smye.

Dissolving the boundaries – physics and biology come together for cancer

We caught up with Professor Stephen Smye to talk interdisciplinary challenges, why it’s so important for cancer research and the danger of science silos.

Headshot of Audrey Gerrard.

The great escape artist – how tracking co-evolution could improve immunotherapy

Tumour cells escaping the immune system is a major cause of resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Audrey Gérard says we need to understand how tumours and the immune system co-evolve to stop it.

Developing your research career

We have a variety of fellowships, bursaries and other career development opportunities for academic and clinician researchers, whether you're new to the lab or looking for funding to start your independent research group.

Explore our research career development opportunities

Learn more about our work

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