Over the last 15 years, our aim has been to attract and support more researchers in the field of primary bone cancer to develop new and kinder treatments and ultimately find a cure. We have gone on to raise our profile not just in the UK but around the globe, as of July 2021, we have awarded 94 grants totalling a commitment to research of over £4.29 million – making us the largest funder of primary bone cancer research in the UK!
In 2006, when the Bone Cancer Research Trust was founded, we received 3 applications for funding; so far in 2021, we have received 40, this is an increase of over 1200%. This upward trajectory, particularly since we initiated our 2017-2022 strategy, The Biggest Ever Commitment To Primary Bone Cancer, clearly demonstrates that the Bone Cancer Research Trust is making a huge impact by growing primary bone cancer research and is being well recognised as the main funder of research in this area.
In recent years, we're delighted to have extended our research support to include international researchers; with our first international research grant being awarded to Professor Aykut Üren at Georgetown University, USA. We are also proud to fund research into all forms of primary bone cancer, including the rarer forms such as adamantinoma. And through the tireless fundraising efforts of our supporters, we hope to continue supporting more research into these rare and brutal diseases.
Since 2006, the Bone Cancer Research Trust has received 234 applications for research funding. Unfortunately, we cannot fund every project submitted to us, but with the help of expert external reviewers and our Independent Scientific Advisory Panel, we fund those of the highest quality with maximum potential for patient benefit.
Dr Victoria Vinader, Research Manager at the charity, shared:
In the grand scheme of research, 15 years is a short time but what we have achieved is phenomenal. We are dedicated to growing the primary bone cancer research community, funding more projects, and translating discoveries to the clinic for our patients. Our hope is that as the charity grows, we can continue to support exceptional research and award even more grants to talented investigators in the field.
As part of our commitment to support talented emerging researchers in the primary bone cancer field, we are excited to have opened applications for our first ever ‘Early Career Fellowship’. The successful candidate will be supported for 5 years with a funding award of £500,000 to establish their independence and purse novel research ideas.
Tobi Firth, Senior Research and Advocacy Officer at the Bone Cancer Research Trust, said:
After a challenging year with COVID-19 many research projects and funding were put on hold, our research community is eager to return to their life-saving work and continue pushing the frontiers in their pursuit of better outcomes for primary bone cancer patients. We are the catalyst for pioneering research with the aim of saving lives and improving outcomes and we are working hard to ensure that 2021 is our biggest funding year ever! This is all made possible because of our incredible community raising vital funds.