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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 and yours could be one of them. We are delighted to announce that the call for applications to the 2025 grants round is now open.

Funding is available for PhD studentship grants to a maximum of £50,000 per PhD which will cover a percentage of the PhD fees and the full stipend with the remaining costs to be covered by the host institution. The training period is to be a maximum of four years and applicants may submit for a three year PhD if this is preferred.

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 and send 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 (BST) on 31 August each year

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

Jake’s PhD research could pave the way for new cancer treatments

Meet Jake, who completed his Big C funded PhD at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in 2024.

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Nilda’s research into leukaemia and heart failure

With support from Big C, Nilda is undertaking a PhD at the University of East Anglia, investigating the metabolic link between acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and heart failure.

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Krisztina’s journey from chemistry to a PhD in cancer

For Krisztina, cancer research is personal. After losing her grandmother to the disease, she knew she wanted to contribute to the search for better treatments.

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Amanpreet’s research into designing smarter therapies for cancers with solid tumours

Amanpreet’s interest in research began during her studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Essex. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she didn’t get any hands-on experience, but curiosity shaped her academic path.

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