Research priorities

For more information regarding the specific research priorities, please see our Grant Application Package.

Applicants should adhere to the general research principles, as outlined in the Grant Application Package (GAP) and may address one or more of the specific research priorities detailed in the GAP and listed below:

• Clarify the evidence on research areas of nutrition and cancer
• Life course exposure in relation to cancer
• The role of body fatness and physical activity in relation to cancer
• Patterns of diet and physical activity in relation to cancer
• Molecular/genetic research
• Methodological research
• Cancer survivors research

Studies must be justified in terms of their direct relevance to human cancer. Studies that will be considered include, but are not limited to:

• Human epidemiologic, clinical, or metabolic studies;
• Studies that use human biological samples (e.g. blood, tissue, urine);
• In vivo or in vitro studies that explore mechanistic pathways of the cancer process.

Given the interest in the diet and cancer field and the high quality of applications, ONLY those outline applications that in the judgment of the Grant Panel are of sufficient quality and relevance to WCRF International’s objectives will be considered suitable for external review.

Use of animals in research

WCRF International does not carry out any research itself. The research funded under the WCRF International Grant Programme is carried out in universities, hospitals and other research institutions.

Please note: Experimental designs outside in vivo human settings, such as the use of cell lines or animal models, will be considered for relevant studies that examine mechanistic pathways of the cancer process. Experimental studies that exclusively explore changes in the cancer outcome (e.g., incidence, tumour size) will be considered only if the applicant demonstrates that these changes are relevant to human cancer. Applications that are outside the human in vivo setting and are not justified in terms of their relevance to humans are unlikely to be given priority.

Studies involving humans will need the appropriate ethical approval. Studies involving animals will need the relevant licences and/or certification.

WCRF International is a member of the UK based Association of Medical Research Charities and endorses the AMRC's position on the use of animals in medical research that animals should only be used if it is essential and there is no alternative.