Open for applications
Application deadline: 1pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026
Research Innovation Fund
Find out more about our Research Innovation Funds and how you can apply.
The aim of the Pancreatic Cancer UK Research Innovation Fund is to encourage and support truly unique and innovative research into the causes, treatment and detection of pancreatic cancer and the support for those with it.
This seed funding scheme will provide short-term investment to address research questions and hypotheses that are truly innovative in their objectives and/or means of delivery.
The focus of the work can be in any field or area of research which, in short or long term, may one day improve the quality of life of people with pancreatic cancer. The proposed studies should be underpinned by rigorous methodological approaches, world class research expertise and high quality research facilities.
- Up to £100,000 per award
- 12-18 months duration
- Researchers at any career stage
- Clinical and non-clinical researchers
Key details
Eligible applicants include:
- Clinical and non-clinical researchers
- The lead applicant must be based in the UK, at a recognised not-for-profit research organisation
- Applications from early/mid-career researchers as lead applicants or co-investigators are welcome but must be supported by a supervisor.
Key dates
Open for applications – Wednesday 12th November 2025
Deadline for applications – 1pm, Wednesday 21st January 2026
Applicants informed of outcome – April 2026
Before you apply
All applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the Guidance for Applicants and FAQs before completing their application. Specifically, applicants should ensure that their proposal aligns with Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Statement of Innovation included at the start of the ‘Guidance for Applicants’ document.
All potential applicants and their Host Institutions should ensure that they have also reviewed Pancreatic Cancer UK’s Terms and Conditions, which set out the standard terms applicable to Research Innovation Fund grants funded by Pancreatic Cancer UK.
Applicants should be aware that their proposals will also be reviewed by people with lived experience of pancreatic cancer and are therefore strongly encouraged to demonstrate how they have already/intend to involve people with lived experience in the development and delivery of their work. At Pancreatic Cancer UK, we have a fantastic Research Involvement Network (RIN) made up of over 500 individuals that have been affected by pancreatic cancer including patients, carers, loved ones and survivors. They give valuable insight and help to ensure that research is centred around the needs of patients. If you would like members of the RIN to help shape your application, you can find out more about how to do this here. Please get in touch with the Research Team as soon as possible if you would like to discuss this further or if you have any questions.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the Application Form and submit as one single pdf document containing all relevant appendices to research@pancreaticcancer.org.uk before the application deadline.
The review process
All applications for funding will be subject to a rigorous review process as detailed in our guidance notes for applicants. Final funding recommendations will be made by our international Scientific Advisory Board.
More details on the review process can be found in our Guidance for Applicants.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or queries about the Research Innovation Fund application process, we are more than happy to help or advise you.
Research Team: research@pancreaticcancer.org.uk
Sign up to our research newsletter
To receive the latest updates on our research and funding rounds
Read more
Involve people affected by pancreatic cancer in your research
Our research proposals are often reviewed by people with lived experience of pancreatic cancer. They give valuable insight and help to ensure that research is centred around the needs of patients.
Read more
Explore our research projects
Use our research project finder to browse a wider selection of our recently funded research.
Read more