Bowel Cancer UK

Early Diagnosis Pilot Grants 2026

Bowel Cancer UK is offering pilot grants up to £50,000 to allow researchers to bring new research ideas to life focused on early diagnosis of bowel cancer. These grants provide funding to collect initial data that can form the basis of larger grant applications. The program specifically targets innovations in bowel cancer diagnosis and screening, addressing Goal 1 of the organization's Research Strategy focused on removing barriers to early and timely diagnosis. Currently, fewer than 40% of people are diagnosed at stages 1 and 2 when bowel cancer is most treatable and curable, and this funding aims to change that trajectory. Proposals must address stratifying populations based on risk, improving screening test sensitivity and acceptability, or enhancing diagnosis and treatment selection. Applicants don't need preliminary data to apply, and the pilot project must be designed to demonstrate whether a bigger project is feasible.