CCLG is launching a new Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Cancer Research Centre
Up to three early career researchers (ECRs) will be hosted within the Centre
The work of the centre will align with the recent 10-year cancer plan, as well as the James Lind Alliance top 10 TYA research priorities
Dr Lorna Fern has been appointed as the founding Director of the new Centre.
Despite growing recognition of the distinct clinical and emotional needs of young people aged 16–24 at diagnosis, the evidence base informing their care remains limited.
CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association (CCLG) has announced the launch of the CCLG Teenage and Young Adult (TYA) Cancer Research Centre, with the new Centre set to directly tackle the issue by funding and supporting research driven by the priorities of young people with cancer and those who care for them.
Its work will also contribute urgently needed evidence to inform national policy and improve the consistency and quality of TYA cancer services across the UK.
A core ambition of the Centre is to strengthen and sustain the UK’s TYA cancer research community. Up to three early career researchers (ECRs) will be hosted within the Centre, each focusing on critical gaps in knowledge identified during the development of the recently launched 10-year National Cancer Plan.
Their work will also align with the James Lind Alliance (JLA) Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership (PSP) Top 10 Priorities, ensuring that research efforts remain firmly rooted in what matters most to young people, their families and supporters.
By nurturing the next generation of TYA cancer researchers, the Centre will help secure the long-term future of this vital field. It will also work closely with other national initiatives, including the UK3CRs Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Clinical Research Group, hosted by CCLG, and will contribute to the proposed refresh of the TYA PSP in 2027.
Ashley Ball-Gamble, Chief Executive of CCLG, said:
This Centre strengthens the UK’s ability to deliver evidence-based, equitable cancer care for teenagers and young adults. By aligning our research with national priorities and investing in early career researchers, we are addressing urgent gaps in knowledge while staying true to our belief that young people deserve care shaped by their experiences and needs. This is not just a strategic investment in the future of TYA cancer research, it’s a commitment to ensuring every young person receives the understanding, support and outcomes they should expect from a modern cancer system.Ashley Ball-Gamble
Dr Lorna Fern
CCLG has appointed Dr Lorna Fern, whose work has been instrumental in shaping the TYA cancer research landscape over the past 20 years, as the founding Director of the new Centre.
Her work includes leading the first UK-wide evaluation of clinical trial access for young people, pioneering patient involvement in research design, and demonstrating the link between longer diagnostic intervals and poorer outcomes.
Dr Fern’s leadership of the BRIGHTLIGHT studies has generated some of the most significant evidence to date on patient experience, care pathways and outcomes for young people with cancer, while she also played a pivotal role in ensuring the needs of young people were recognised within the recent 10-year Cancer Plan.
Dr Fern said:
A new national TYA Research Centre is a wonderful opportunity for the community and a critical investment for the future of TYA Cancer Research and provision of evidence-based care. A decade on from the release of the JLA TYA Top 10, I remain frustrated at the lack of investment and opportunities for TYA psychosocial research, and I’m excited we can start to turn this around. By supporting early career researchers and focusing on research priorities identified by the TYA community we can ensure a research portfolio which matters and sustainability of the future TYA Research workforce.Dr Lorna Fern
The launch of the new Centre reflects CCLG’s commitment to ensuring that teenagers and young adults receive the same level of research focus and investment as younger children.
By aligning its work with national priorities and the voices of young people themselves, the Centre will play a crucial role in shaping evidence-based, equitable TYA cancer care for the future.
Further information about the Centre, along with the launch of the first round of opportunities for early career researchers, will be shared in the coming weeks.
