From Ideas to Innovation - April 2026
Delegates came from institutions across the UK.
An Event to Remember!
Over 200 researchers from 40 institutions came together in London to learn about the latest research in each other's labs and clinics, exchange ideas and resources, and build new collaborations - all with one collective aim: to drive progress for men with prostate cancer.
Around three quarters of delegates were working on Prostate Cancer UK-funded projects, with about a quarter moving into the field, or hoping to apply for funding in the future - it was wonderful to hear how the research we fund is progressing, and to welcome new researchers into this supportive, vibrant community.
With over 60 speakers, and 50 poster presenters, the breadth of science was astonishing - filling us with hope for a future where no man's life is limited by prostate cancer.
It's given me real hope that in the future, there'll be better treatments, there'll be kinder treatments, and there'll be better ways of diagnosing and stratifying prostate cancer.
From Conversation to Commitment:
During the discussion session we heard powerful reflections from a panel of Black researchers, explored barriers to thriving in the prostate cancer research community, and considered ways we can all support equity in research career progression.
Researchers collectively made 202 pledges - commitments to support positive change within their own roles and institutions.
We'll follow up with delegates in 6 months time to hear about successes so far, or challenges faced along the way.
Researchers' Feedback
We're absolutely thrilled that:
- 100% of researchers rated the event as 'excellent' or 'good'.
- 92% of researchers felt that the event helped them 'network, share or collaborate'.
- 98% of researchers are 'extremely', or 'very likely' to recommend the event to their peers.
[From Ideas to Innovation] made us feel that we are working collectively to cure the disease.
Extremely well organised from start to finish…including both on the day and prior communication. Professional, personal…this is a lesson in how to run a research meeting.
Researchers told us that the best things about From Ideas to Innovation were:
- Our magnificent Patient Research Partners (we couldn't agree more!)
- The organisation of the event.
- Opportunities to connect with the research community.
- The format of the sessions.
- The quality of the science presented.
Great to hear what groups are actually planning / doing rather than the usual end of study picture we get most meetings. It generated a lot of talk between groups as we could see where we could interact and combine resources in ongoing projects.
Researcher Reflections
Hear from event delegates in this short video about the importance of bringing the research community together.
'A moment that stayed with me'
We're delighted we were able to fund travel to the event for every researcher who applied for our travel bursary. Some of the recipients kindly authored short blogs, reflecting on aspects of the event they found most meaningful.
Until next time!
Thank you for all your kind comments in the feedback surveys, and for your suggestions on how we can continue to develop our research events - we couldn't do this without your input!
We're already looking forward to From Ideas to Innovation 2028, and if you're an Early Career Researcher, look out for an announcement soon about how to register to attend Making Progress on 21 April 2027!
