Yorkshire Cancer Research - Sheffield Pioneers Fund 2023

Yorkshire Cancer Research has established a unique funding stream that can only be applied for by principal researchers based at the University of Sheffield. Project proposals and programmes submitted to these funds must undertake cancer research that will ultimately improve the cancer outcome for people within the region and beyond.

All applications submitted to the funding stream must have gone through the University of Sheffield’s review process and be approved by the University of Sheffield to apply. For more information on the University of Sheffield selection process please contact Research Services cancer_research@sheffield.ac.uk.

Applications will only be accepted from Principal Applicant with a substantive post within the University of Sheffield. The University of Sheffield must be the host institution. All Awards are subject to our Awards Conditions and Policies.

1. Cancer prevention and early diagnosis - The vision is that targeted (using risk profiles) population screening can lead to downward stage migration and improved survival of Yorkshire’s most common cancers. A key component of this theme will be to map in detail cancer outcomes in the Yorkshire population.
   
2. Digital health, big data, advanced diagnostic technologies and rethinking the delivery of cancer care - Integrating modern technology and digital health with a re-envisaged cancer care delivery the vision is that digital healthcare information, artificial intelligence and more intelligent use of novel diagnostics in the clinical pathways will increase the volume and safety of community-based oncology treatments, thus saving NHS costs and improving patient experiences. Digital technology can also be used to inform risk profiles.
   
3. Translational and precision cancer medicine - This theme will integrate genomic profiling with NHS cancer pathways to reveal insights into the role and opportunities of modern genomics in cancer care, offer pipelines of patients for the next generation of pharma studies and feed into molecular research in the University.
   
4. Improving the outcomes for cancer patients – reducing mortality, exploring experience and value The vision is to better understand what matters to our patients, to discover new treatments or better ways of giving current treatments as well as develop new methodology for matching treatment to patients’ individual cancers. For clarity this theme includes research linked to ‘quality of life’ which may be of particular interest to those working in applied health, social sciences, arts and humanities.

Applications will be accepted for the following Awards

Pump Priming Awards

• Between £50,000 - £200,000 for up to 2 years, intended to generate high-quality preliminary data to leverage future funding.
  

Project Awards

• Between £80,000 - £800,000 for research proposals across all the Research themes and from all disciplines.
  

Fellowship Awards

• Doctoral Fellowships – Up to £300,000 for a 3.5 years or equivalent part-time duration for individuals to undertake a cancer-focused PhD in applied health or social care research.
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships – Up to £300,000 for a 3 years or equivalent part-time duration for individuals looking to develop their independence.
• Advanced Fellowships – Up to £1.25m for a 5 years or equivalent part-time duration for individuals who do not have a salaried or independent position but are looking to establish their independence.
• Senior Fellowships– For a 5 years or equivalent part-time duration for individuals who have established a national/international reputation aligned with the UoS Cancer Research Strategy.
  

Programme Awards

• Between £1m - £3m for an ambitious programme of research. The programme of work may consist of a group of extended, parallel and interrelated research, to achieve the vision of at least one of the cancer research themes.
  

Proposals for Project, Fellowships & Programme Awards will need to include a clear outline of how the proposed work, within the lifetime of the Award, will:

• deliver against one or more of the four strategic themes within the University of Sheffield Cancer Research Strategy
• deliver research excellence by supporting staff and students to undertake impactful research and innovation to deliver novel healthcare solutions;
• develop capacity in priority research areas through a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff and students;
• embed the potential to translate fundamental discovery science into clinical impact that improves lives and healthcare;
• extend existing partnerships, working in collaboration, to improve the health of the Sheffield City Region and beyond with opportunities for all to shape and participate in research and innovation.
  

Applications for Pump Priming Awards should also consider the above points in the context of the onward funding generated.