Research

Big C fund vital, world-class research into cancer, right here in Norfolk.

Every day, our scientists and researchers are discovering more and more methods to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer in better ways than ever before; making a local, national and international difference for today and tomorrow. 

Download our Research Investment Strategy

Cancer research funding opportunity

You are invited to join us in the fight against cancer by investing in the future of research through Big C’s new PhD research initiative.

By contributing to our research fund, your organisation can make a lasting impact in the battle against cancer right here on the Norwich Research Park.

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Research partnerships

Being based on the Norwich Research Park means we are ideally located to work alongside the research institutes that we fund, which currently include the Quadram Institute, UEA, and NNUH.

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Research case studies

From research into tumour growth and radiotherapy to new treatments for children with bone cancer, discover more about the research our students have carried out, past and present.

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Since 1980 we’ve funded more than £12.5 million in research and equipment grants across the Norwich Research Park.

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Apply for funding

Do you have a cancer research project you believe we would be interested in funding? Perhaps we’ve funded the first stage of your research and you’d like us to consider the next stage? Take a look at what support we may be able to offer…

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Undergraduates

Grants are available to provide financial support (up to 8 weeks’ support at £175 per week) for undergraduate students interested in gaining research experience by carrying out a cancer related research project over the summer vacation. The purpose of the award is to encourage students to consider a career/research associated with cancer.

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Postgraduates

Big C is proud to have funded start up projects that have often escalated into large scale ground-breaking research. Yours could be one of them. Big C’s research PhD studentship grant applications round is currently open. A total of £150,000 will be available to support PhD students at the University of East Anglia whose research will benefit cancer patients.

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Research governance

Research panel & review process

Whether you’re applying for an undergraduate student bursary or looking for postgraduate funding, take a look at our research panel, the review process and how successful applications are decided.

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Our Research Investment Strategy

Download our Research Investment Strategy to read more about Big C’s vision and governance framework for the charity’s investment in scientific research.

Download our Research Investment Strategy
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Localised research

Our research projects are looking into many different types and aspects of cancer, from the spread of the disease to how gut bacteria influences developments of cancer. This localised research very often brings with it clinical trials, which means those in our community benefit from the latest cancer findings.

Discover our research case studies
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Research case studies

A photo of undergraduate Rana Haidari on tumour growth research

Rana’s Undergraduate Tumour Growth Research

My name is Rana Haidari, and I am going into my 3rd year studying Biomedicine at the University of East Anglia.

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Melanoma in situ (MIS) is an early stage, while tumor cells are

Katharine’s Undergraduate Research – Endothelial Cells

Hi I’m Katharine, I’m currently researching how the Endothelial Cells (EC) receptors, Neuropilin -1 (NRP1) and Neuropilin-2 NRP2 work together to regulate tumour growth.

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International Women and Girls in Science Interview: Dee Hayward

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science we spoke with Dee Hayward, a first-year PhD student whose studentship has been funded by Big C.

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Postgraduate Research Nancy Teng standing in a laboratory

International Women and Girls in Science Interview: Nancy Teng

To celebrate International Women and Girls in Science Day, Big C spoke with Nancy Teng, a current PhD student at the Quadram Institute whose studentship has been funded by Big C.

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About us

We are a local, people-first charity providing outstanding cancer support.

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Impact

We’re making progress across the organisation to offer more support to people affected by cancer.

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Get involved

Become a volunteer, fundraise or donate – your support is needed more than ever.

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