Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Research Centre

The CCLG Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Research Centre aims to address this by funding and supporting research that addresses the priorities of young people with cancer, and those who support them. Research supported by the centre will also address the urgent need for stronger evidence to inform policy and care for teenagers and young adults (TYA) aged 16-24 at diagnosis. 

The Centre will strengthen the UK’s teenage and young adult cancer research community, supporting and developing the next generation of researchers. We will host early career researchers focused on the most urgent gaps in knowledge – aligned with national priorities and shaped by young people themselves. This includes the top priorities identified by the James Lind Alliance Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Priority Setting Partnership (PSP). 

By investing in early career researchers, we’re building a future where teenage and young adult cancer research continues to grow and deliver impact. Research projects supported by the Centre will include dedicated funding for research training, sharing the results of the research, and for meaningfully involving those with lived experience throughout the project. 

We will work in collaboration with the wider research community, linking closely with other national initiatives to ensure our work drives meaningful change and reaches those who need it most. This will include the UK3CRs Teenage and Young Adult Cancer Clinical Research Group, hosted by CCLG, which oversees the strategy for UK clinical research, as well as a proposed refresh of the TYA Priority Setting Partnership in 2027.

Research Centre leadership

CCLG has appointed Dr Lorna Fern as the Founding Director of the CCLG TYA Research Centre. Dr Fern has played a pivotal role in generating the TYA cancer research evidence base over the past two decades and she played a crucial role in ensuring the needs of young people were recognised within the recent 10-year Cancer Plan. Dr Fern led led the first UK-wide evaluation of access to clinical trials for young people, pioneering the involvement of young people as research partners, and demonstrating that longer diagnostic intervals are associated with poorer outcomes. Her leadership role in the BRIGHTLIGHT studies has generated evidence into patient experience, care pathways, and outcomes for young people. Her expertise will guide the Centre as it drives forward research that makes a real difference.  

A brighter future for young people with cancer

The CCLG TYA Research Centre reflects CCLG’s commitment to every child and young person with cancer. By aligning the Centre with National Cancer Plan priorities and the TYA PSP Priorities, we will ensure the voices of young people are core to our research. The Centre will play a crucial role in informing evidence-based, equitable TYA cancer care.

Research funding opportunities

The first round of research funding opportunities for ECRs will be announced in the coming weeks, and will focus on:

• Early diagnosis
• End of life care
• TYA research priorities identified by the TYA PSP.

Get research funding email alerts

Centre steering group and research advisory group

We are also looking to recruit individuals to sit on the Centre’s steering group, and our Research Advisory Group which will help to review funding applications and select which projects are supported by the centre.

If you are multidisciplinary professional working in TYA Cancer Care or Research, or in adult oncology but with a special interest in TYA and would like to apply to sit on the steering group or our Advisory Group, please send a covering letter of no more than 2 A4 sides and CV to research@cclg.org.uk by 5pm 31 May 2026.