We believe your success as a researcher should be determined by the quality of your science – and nothing else. We are committed to creating equal, diverse and inclusive research environments that enable all brilliant minds to come together, thrive and progress.
A robust evidence base is the first step in identifying barriers to individuals participating and thriving in cancer research – and it’s how we can make sure we’re taking the most effective action to improve equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the research we fund. That’s why we’re one of the UK’s first charity research funders to publish diversity data in our grant funding.
Diversity is integral to excellence. By creating an inclusive and diverse community of cancer researchers, we will not only support the brightest minds to thrive and collaborate but will also further our mission of beating cancer – for everyone.
Our 2021 action plan laid out the steps we aimed to take as a funder to develop an equal, diverse and inclusive research community.
Our objectives in this plan included:
ensuring fair and inclusive funding processes
providing career support and development
pursuing inclusive research design to ensure the research we fund benefits everyone
developing a robust evidence base to drive change
We'll be updating on what we've achieved so far and launching a refreshed EDI in research strategic approach in autumn 2025.
Explore our action plan
EDI is a fundamental pillar in our research culture framework. Made up of six key areas, our research culture framework will help us build a community of world-class researchers who will help drive our ambition.
Our diversity data report and EDI in research action plan are part of our organisation-wide EDI strategy to make us the best charity we can be, which reflects the communities we serve, and that people are proud to work and volunteer for.
Knowing who we fund is fundamental to tackling inequalities. We are transparent about who applies for our research grants, and who they are awarded to. This data helps us to uncover and address inequalities in the research we fund.
