September Research News
Welcome to the September edition of Research News!
Please get in touch with any feedback or suggestions for future editions of Research News.
The debate surrounding focal therapies
For many men with localised prostate cancer, the challenge is not only living longer, but also living well after treatment. Focal therapies could offer control of the disease alongside reducing life-changing side effects. But, are they ready to be considered as first-line treatment options alongside surgery and radiotherapy? New research has sparked fresh debate across the field.
Prostate Cancer UK's new 10-year strategy: the big reveal
We hope you and your team can join us for the launch of our new 10-year research strategy at the Royal Society of Medicine in London on Tuesday 10 November 2026.
You'll hear about our ambitious new targets and funding opportunities, as well as from researchers sharing their latest work. A panel of researchers will also discuss the areas they believe are driving progress today and what will be needed to accelerate progress in the future. You'll also have the chance to ask questions and network with the research community.
Black Research Connections Conference 2026
Looking to expand your network beyond your own research field?
Registration is now open for the inaugural Black Research Connections Conference, taking place on 18 November 2026 in Liverpool.
Bringing together researchers, students, charities, community organisations and sector leaders from across STEM, the conference offers a unique opportunity to build new connections, collaborate across disciplines and hear fresh perspectives from a diverse range of voices.
The programme will include keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities and an evening celebration highlighting Black excellence in research and innovation.
As part of our commitment to supporting greater diversity and representation in research, and our pledge to champion Black researchers, we're pleased to share this opportunity with our community.
If you'd like to attend but funding is a barrier, please get in touch with the Research Team at [email protected] to discuss potential support.
Funding Opportunities
Open Now!
Cancer Research UK Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship Programme
The Programme aims to support and develop the next generation of Black leaders in cancer research through funded PhD opportunities, mentorship and professional development. Help us spread the word through your networks and encourage eligible candidates to apply. Please check Cancer Research UK's website for application deadlines.
Research Innovation Awards
Our Research Innovation Awards grant scheme is open for Expressions of Interest. This call is for bold, innovative research projects that have the real potential to impact the way prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated. Submission deadline: 6 October 2026.
Windsor Fellowship - Prostate Cancer UK Internship Programme - Intern Webinar
We've partnered with the Windsor Fellowship on an Internship Programme, offering research opportunities to individuals from Black and mixed-Black heritage backgrounds via placements in prostate cancer research laboratories. There's an upcoming insights session on 20 October at 1pm, which will introduce prospective intern candidates to the individual host placements and related research projects they can apply for. Interested candidates can register for the session here.
Don’t Forget!
We’ve moved to a new online application system called SmartSimple. So, if you want to apply to us for funding, you’ll need to register here and create an account!
Make sure you leave enough time to add your co-applicants and organisational approvers so their accounts can be approved well ahead of the submission deadline!
If you need help navigating the new system please get in touch with us at [email protected], or check out our handy How To Guide.
Recently Published Papers
Each week we use our Prostate Cancer UK Researchers LinkedIn to highlight a newly published paper that was supported by our funding. Take a look below at some of last month's featured papers:
A team led by Dr Michela Antonelli at King's College London describe the development of an AI tool that helps to analyse prostate MRI scans over time for men on active surveillance.
An international team led by Dr Luca D'Erme, Dr Nina Tunariu, and Professor Dow-Mu Koh has published new findings in European Radiology on whether total diffusion volume, measured using whole-body MRI, could serve as a valuable prognostic biomarker for men with advanced prostate cancer.
Dr Luca Russo, Dr Ossian Longoria, Dr Nina Tunariu and their team at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research explore whether whole-body MRI could help clinicians assess treatment response more effectively.
Published in Nature, The Pan Prostate Group - which includes a number of Prostate Cancer UK funded researchers - describe eight mutational footprints that may help improve patient risk stratification and ensure each man receives the treatment that is right for them.
Thank you!
Thank you for reading our September 2026 Research Newsletter. If you have any achievements that you'd like us to celebrate in our next Newsletter, get in touch.
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