Big C Cancer Charity 2025 grant round open for PhD studentships to advance cancer research

The 2025 PhD studentship grant round for
local cancer charity Big C is open until the end of August, reinforcing its
commitment to funding world-class cancer research and investing in the next
generation of cancer researchers.

Grants
of up to £50,000 per studentship are available to support PhD-level research
projects that deliver clear public benefit in the field of cancer.

Applications
are open to PhD researchers based at the University of East Anglia, or institutions
across the Norwich Research Park and regional NHS trusts. Eligible projects can span a broad range of cancer-related
disciplines, such as:

·       
Social
sciences

·       
Basic
and translational research

·       
Clinical
or psychosocial research

·       
Population
and behavioural research

“The
PhD studentship grants are central to our mission in supporting groundbreaking cancer
research right here in Norfolk,” said Karen Vincent, Big C Chief Executive. “Research
is about unlocking possibilities, and we’re proud to invest in early career scientists
and clinicians at Norwich Research Park who are shaping the future of cancer research,
both locally and globally.” 

Amanpreet
Bhatt, a current PhD student, spoke about the impact of being part of the Big C
research community. “Knowing that my work is supported by an organisation with
such a meaningful mission is incredibly motivating,” she says. “I am part of a
community that truly cares about improving cancer outcomes.”

Jake
Rigby, who completed his PhD in 2024, highlighted the practical value of the
support he received. “Big C’s funding made a big difference. My monthly stipend
meant much less financial anxiety, which allowed me to focus on delivering
high-quality research.”

Big
C’s funding will contribute towards a proportion of tuition fees and the full
stipend for a maximum of four years, with the remaining costs to be covered by
the host institution, University of East Anglia. Applicants may also propose
three-year projects if this is preferred.

To
be eligible for a grant the principal applicant must be based in Norfolk and hold
a post at an institution of higher education or research institution, and their
contract must cover the length of the studentship. Co-applicants or collaborators may be
based at other institutions.

The
closing date for all applications is 31 August 2025 at 5pm.

To learn more about
the scope of funded projects, or to explore previous PhD studentships supported
by Big C, please visit www.big-c.co.uk/our-research/funding-for-postgraduates