How Do We Decide What Research to Fund?

Every year the research department award grant funding on projects and programmes that are in line with our research themes, our roadmap and the emerging needs of people affected by cancer. These grant topics and types are determined and approved as part of our annual budget process. Grants are typically awarded to institutions/individuals who undertake cancer research: typically, post-graduates/PhD students and senior researchers working in universities and hospitals in Ireland. 

The typical procedure for grant calls would be to assess applications as part of a competitive peer review process this ensures 

• Comparable to other cancer research funders
• Ensures research integrity
• Trusted internationally

Occasionally, the Society will identify the need for a very specific piece of research that will inform our own internal research, advocacy or services work. In this case, the Society will run a closed targeted research call, where known experts in the field are asked to submit an application based on our criteria.  The application will still undergo peer review to ensure scientific feasibility.

For pieces of market or external consultancy research, we undertake a tendering process to choose which company should carry out this piece of work. 

For large-scale major strategic projects and partnerships of over €1 million, the process for funding is different. Each new proposal – be that a new service, a strategic partnership, or a large research programme – goes through a review and approval process which is relevant and appropriate to the scale and type of investment. Each major project is also assessed on its standalone merits. 

For any large programmes which have a research component, the research sections would undergo peer review as per our standard peer review process. The final decision on funding is taken by the Board. In making the final decision, the Board considers considerations aspects beyond the individual proposal – the recommendations from our Research Advisory Committee, the Society’s overall strategy, the emerging needs of people affected by cancer, and the Society’s financial position.