The purpose of the Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award 2026 is to give funding to support new or experienced cancer research advocates. This will be used to go to advocacy events or PPI activities.
Irish Cancer Society Patient Advocate in Cancer Research Award 2026
An advocate is someone who supports or defends a cause. A patient advocate for cancer research is a voice for cancer patients.
What's this about?
An advocate is someone who supports or defends a cause. A patient advocate for cancer research is a voice for cancer patients.
The Irish Cancer Society knows how important cancer research advocates are. Our advocates are driven by their own cancer experience; they want to contribute to the improvement of treatments and understanding for patients coming after them.
We also know that in cancer research advocacy, knowledge and making connections is key. For example, by going to cancer research events, going to training or attending workshop. However, it can be difficult to fund this yourself, especially if on a reduced income. We know the potential expense involved can stop people from taking part and becoming cancer research advocates.
This award is to directly fund a patient advocate to upskill themselves in areas of cancer research, PPI, and cancer research advocacy. You can be a cancer research patient advocate, a PPI contributor, or both, to apply for this award. You may also have no experience yet and want to apply to start out your cancer research advocacy/PPI journey. This award is for anyone, regardless of experience, who wishes to upskill in this space.
Can I apply?
Funding and how long does this award last?
There is a minimum of four awards available, and each
award is worth up to a maximum of €2,500 for
activities taking place outside of the EU/UK or €2,000
for activities taking place within the EU/UK. Funding is
to cover registration, travel, accommodation, childcare,
loss of earnings, materials and meal costs. The event(s)
must happen between November 2026 and January
2028.
Timeline
What's Happening and When:
- Accepting Applications: Opens Tuesday, 19th May 2026
- Deadline for Receiving Applications: Closes Tuesday, 1st September 2026
- When Decisions Are Made: September
- Awardees Announced: Late September / Early October 2026
Please note: These dates may change by the decision of the Irish Cancer Society.
Please email us (grants@irishcancer.ie) or call us on (01) 968 3723 if you would like to apply or if you have any questions. We are happy to chat through your ideas.
