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Funding for 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. Please keep an eye on this web page for details of Big C’s next research PhD studentship grant applications round.

Big C supports research for public benefit and not for commercial or private gain.
Big C supports the AMRC position statements regarding research in universities and the use of animals in research.
A close up of a scientist using medical equipment.

Funding conditions

Download and read through our funding conditions before continuing with your application.

A close up of medical equipment.

Apply for funding

When you’re ready to apply for funding, please complete your application by 5pm on 31 August to bigcgrants@big-c.co.uk

Funding success rates

The amount available for investment in research grants is reviewed annually by the Trustees prior to the grants round who will take into account the need to balance Big C’s research investment with the charity’s other strategic objectives.

The sum available will be published by Big C in advance of the grants round. Big C is delighted to share the following details of the funding success rates for the last few years. Since 2021 these grants have been awarded for PhDs only, however before this, they included grants for other types of research funding, including equipment and shorter projects.

2020

Grants round cancelled

2021

1 applicant

Value of applications £68,101

Funds available £50,000

Funds awarded £50,000

1 successful
applicants

100% success rate

2022

Grants round cancelled

2023

4 applicants

Value of applications £336,715.36

Funds available £200,000

Funds awarded £200,000

4 successful
applicants

100% success rate

2024

5 applicants

Value of applications £563,199

Funds available £100,000

Funds awarded £100,000

2 successful
applicants

40% success rate

Documents

FAQs

When is the deadline for PhD studentship grant applications?

Applications need to be submitted by 5pm on 31 August

I have a query over my application, who should I contact?

If you would like to discuss your potential application, please call Kate Morgan on 01603 619900 or email katherine.morgan@big-c.co.uk

Research case studies

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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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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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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