Yorkshire Cancer Research - Sheffield Pioneers Fund 2022

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 Applicants based at the University of Sheffield ≥50% FTE and 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.
   
   
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.
   
   
3. Translational and precision cancer medicine - The vision is that 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 a new methodology for matching treatment to patients’ individual cancers.

Any proposed Strategic Research Award should have a vision and plan to provide a step-change in research excellence to prevent cancer-related morbidity and mortality in Yorkshire through research that informs prevention, early diagnosis, better treatments and improved survival rates. The proposed work must be driven by patient needs and involve strong patient and public engagement throughout the research process.

• Proposals will need to include a clear outline of how the proposed work:
• delivers research excellence by supporting staff and students to undertake impactful research and innovation to deliver novel healthcare solutions;
• develops capacity in research areas of strength through a supportive and inclusive environment for all staff and students;
• embeds the potential to translate fundamental discovery science into clinical impact that improves lives and healthcare;
• extends 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.

Research proposals for a Strategic Research Award must consist of multidisciplinary teams from across the University and may have named external co-applicants. The proposal must deliver against one or more of the four strategic themes within the University of Sheffield Cancer Research Strategy (see Strategic Areas above).

Applications passing the University of Sheffield internal selection process will be informed by the University of Sheffield that they may submit an Application for an Award.

Applications will be subject to expert review based on the principles set down by the AMRC. The results of the External Peer Review will be collated and submitted to an Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee is an independent panel of specifically invited cancer experts who will review the output from the Peer Review and rank the applications based on scientific merit.

The University of Sheffield will undertake a strategic and financial assessment of the ranked list of fundable applications and confirm to the Charity which applications it wishes to be funded from the Yorkshire Cancer Research Sheffield Pioneers Fund.

Subject to funds being available, the Yorkshire Cancer Research Board of Trustees will then meet to grant the Awards to the successful applications. The Trustees’ granting of the Awards is final and there is no appeal process.