NCRI is a partnership of cancer research funders working together to deliver better outcomes for all those affected by cancer.
NCRI uses data provided by its Partners to identify gaps in cancer research and convenes the research community to address them. We bring together the brightest minds to advance cancer research in the UK through our groups. We look out for unnecessary, expensive duplication of effort through our uniquely impartial position and guard against it. We tirelessly search for new ways and means to accelerate the progress of cancer research.
In 2021 NCRI celebrated its 20th anniversary. To mark the occasion, we have looked back at some of NCRI’s most significant achievements and asked some of our supporters to explain the impact they have had on the cancer research community.
Consumer Liaison Group established
The Consumer Liaison Group is established, a precursor to the NCRI Consumer Forum. We spoke to Derek Stewart OBE about establishing the NCRI Consumer Forum.
Publication of first NHS cancer plan
The first NHS cancer plan is published, leading to the creation of NCRI. We spoke to Dr Helen Campbell about why it is important that funders, charities and governments collaborate to advance cancer research.
NCRI begins collecting cancer research funding data
NCRI began collecting research funding data in 2001. We spoke to Sir Kenneth Calman about his memories of identifying that screening, prevention and early diagnosis and lung cancer were underfunded in terms of research spend.
First NCRI Cancer Conference
NCRI hosts the first NCRI Cancer Conference. We spoke to Dr Pippa Corrie about her experiences of the NCRI Cancer Conference and the impact it has had on cancer research in the UK.
NCRI established Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad)
NCRI establishes the Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad). We spoke to Dr Iain Foulkes about the establishment of the NCRI Clinical and Translational Radiotherapy Research Working Group (CTRad).
Evolution of NCRI Groups
The NCRI Groups evolve from being clinically focused to include other research disciplines. We spoke to Professor Matt Seymour about how the NCRI Groups have brought together research-active clinicians.
NCRI establishes a screening, prevention and early diagnosis group
NCRI establishes the Screening, Prevention and Early Diagnosis Group.
NCRI partners with International Cancer Research Partnership (ICRP)
NCRI establishes a formal collaboration with the International Cancer Research Partnership (ICRP).
First Dragons' Den is held
The NCRI Consumer Forum hosts its first Dragons’ Den at the NCRI Cancer Conference.
NCRI becomes an independent charity
NCRI becomes an independent charity.
NCRI establishes the Cellular Molecular Pathology Initiative (CMPath)
NCRI establishes the Cellular Molecular Pathology Initiative (CMPath). NCRI launches its living with and beyond cancer initiative. We spoke to Professor Ruth Plummer about the importance of pathology research.
NCRI establishes living with and beyond cancer initiative
NCRI launches its living with and beyond cancer initiative. We spoke to Ceinwen Giles about why she thinks living with and beyond cancer research is important and the impact of NCRI on this area of research.
Strategy advisory group is formed
NCRI’s Strategy Advisory Group was formed as a group of thought leaders drawn from across the research spectrum to provide strategic advice on the implementation of our strategy and the development of new initiatives.
NCRI partners with the British Society for Immunology (BSI)
NCRI is working in partnership with the British Society for Immunology (BSI) to bring the immunology and cancer research communities together. The partnership aims to drive collaborations and address challenges in cancer immunology and immunotherapy through a series of joint initiatives.
NCRI launches the Early Career Researcher Forum
NCRI launches the Early Career Researcher Forum. We spoke to Professor Rob Jones about his experience of joining an NCRI Group as an early career researcher and how it benefitted his career.