National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI)

The National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) is a UK-wide partnership between cancer research funders, which promotes collaboration in the field.

Their role is to promote co-operation in cancer research for the benefit of patients, the public and the scientific community. They focus on challenging areas of research where partners can achieve greater progress by working together.

NCRI was established in 2001 following the publication of the first NHS cancer plan, which proposed formalising connections between government health departments, research councils, industry and charities, who each fund research into cancer. NCRI’s initial purpose was to identify where cancer research was most needed and where it would be most likely to contribute to progress; this included the establishment of the cancer research database.

NCRI’s role has since evolved, working to address some of the challenges identified in cancer research, and delivering activities to advance the progress of cancer research. These activities include NCRI Groups for researchers to collaborate, a range of initiatives and partnerships to boost activity within particular areas and a selection of conferences and events to disseminate research and foster collaboration.

They help deliver better outcomes for all those affected by cancer throughout the UK and beyond. Identifying gaps in cancer research and addressing them. They bring together the brightest scientific and medical minds to advance cancer research in the UK. Looking out for unnecessary, expensive duplication of effort and guarding against it. They tirelessly search for new ways and means to accelerate the progress of cancer research.