Research Innovation Awards

Next call opens for applications in July 2023

This call is for bold, innovative research projects that have the real potential to impact the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. If you’re considering a longer term / broader proposal that’s comprised of inter-connected work streams you may wish to consider whether your proposed research is more aligned to our Transformational Impact Awards.

All proposals must align with our research strategy and must clearly demonstrate the innovative nature of the research and how it will lead to the improved health and well-being of men affected by, or at high risk of, prostate cancer. The application and assessment process reflects our increased focus on innovation and potential impact, and so you should make every effort to detail how your proposal meets those criteria.

Remit & Eligibility

We want to see novel, game-changing research!

As such, there are no financial restrictions as to what you can request – you should simply apply for what you need. However, please note that value for money will be a consideration in making final funding decisions, and so we would advise applicants to ensure that the amount they are requesting is a realistic reflection of what is needed.

We would expect projects to be between 1 to 5 years in duration; however again you should apply for however long you need. Projects that are shorter or longer than 1-5 years are still eligible; although, you should discuss this further with the Research Team at Prostate Cancer UK before applying.

This scheme will fund both fundamental and clinical research (and all stages in between); however, research at all stages will be expected to have a focus on eventual benefit to men. Applicants will be expected to set out a logical and realistic path of work that will need to happen at the end of the award in order to deliver that benefit to men.

We will also consider applications that bring innovative ideas from other cancer types and other diseases to be tested or translated for prostate cancer and we encourage applicants to build teams that include experts from other disciplines and other countries where that will improve the project.

Application & Assessment Process

The application process consists of two stages: 

1: Expression of Interest Stage

  • DEADLINE: Calls close at early October.
  • SHORTLISTING: Applications are considered by our Research Advisory Committee in December and a decision made on which proposals to shortlist to the second stage.
  • NOTIFICATION: Applicants are notified of the outcome of their submission in by early January. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a second stage application form.

2: Second Stage (for shortlisted applicants)

  • DEADLINE: Shortlisted applicants must submit their second stage proposals and ensure that all online declarations and approvals have been completed by the relevant parties before the deadline in early March.
  • PEER REVIEW: Submitted applications will then be subject to external peer review (in line with AMRC guidance). The peer reviewers' comments will be sent to the applicants (anonymously) via our online system.
  • REBUTTAL: Applicants will have an opportunity to submit a response to the reviewers' comments in early May.
  • DECISION: All applications, reviews and rebuttals will then be considered by our Research Advisory Committee in June who shall make final funding recommendations to our Board of Trustees.
  • NOTIFICATION: Final funding decisions are made and applicants will be notified as to the outcome of their submission via email in July. We appreciate your patience during this time.

All awards made will be in line with our terms and conditions (please note - these terms may be subject to change).

For information on what to include in your application form, please see the previous guidance notes*.

*Subject to change

Download Previous Guidance Notes

Funds must be in accordance with our current Finance Eligibility guidance. 

Finance Guidance

Application success rates

  • 2021/22: 26% success rate, 42 Expression of Interest applications received
  • 2019/20: 17% success rate, 36 Expression of Interest applications received
  • 2018/19: 17% success rate, 48 Expression of Interest applications received
  • 2017/18: 15% success rate, 54 Expression of Interest applications received

Meet our recent Awardees

Our Research Innovation Awards focus on new ideas which tackle taming prostate cancer from a completely new angle. Read more about awards we funded in previous years 

Dr Jonathan Coulter 45

Dr Jonathan Coulter

Enhancing radiotherapy outcomes for men with localised prostate cancer

Find out more
Kelly Coffey

Dr Kelly Coffey

Finding the men most likely to benefit from a new prostate cancer treatment

Find out more
Tbarrett

Professor Tristan Barrett

Using artificial intelligence to measure image quality in Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Find out more

Contact Us

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an application with the Research team, please e-mail [email protected]