World Cancer Research Fund

World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF), a UK-based charity established in 1990 and part of the World Cancer Research Fund International network, drives global cancer prevention through research, advocacy, and evidence-based public health strategies. Its mission is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality by focusing on modifiable lifestyle factors—diet, nutrition, body composition (including obesity), and physical activity—aiming for a world free of preventable cancer deaths. Grounded in values of scientific rigour, independence (no government funding, relying on public donations), transparency, and collaboration, WCRF leads authoritative programmes like the Continuous Update Project (CUP) and Global Cancer Update, synthesising evidence into policy guidelines recognised by the WHO.

WCRF funds high-quality, investigator-initiated research on how these lifestyle factors influence cancer risk, recurrence, progression, prevention, and survivorship across the cancer journey. Supported activities include biomedical/behavioural studies, epidemiology, cohort analyses, interventions, and knowledge dissemination, prioritising innovative, multidisciplinary projects for the general population, patients, survivors, and at-risk groups. Key programmes are the Regular Grant Programme (RGP) for larger projects and INSPIRE Research Challenge (IRC) for early-career researchers.

Eligible applicants are academic institutions, universities, medical schools, and research institutes worldwide (excluding the Americas), with a focus on UK/Europe; small charities or grassroots groups are unsuitable without academic affiliation. Typical grants range £60,000–£350,000 over 1–3 years, covering direct costs and personnel. Unsolicited applications start with an online Letter of Intent/outline (next window: 8 September–4 November 2025, 08:00–17:00 GMT), followed by invited full proposals (January/February 2026); decisions by September 2026 (annual rounds).

WCRF excludes non-thematic research, core/unrestricted funding, capacity building, or Americas-based projects, distinguishing itself as the global authority on lifestyle-cancer links through objective, peer-reviewed grants (£145m+ awarded), policy influence, and public empowerment.