More resilient funding for cancer research in the UK

Non-commercial cancer research in the UK relies heavily on the charity sector for funding, which in turn is substantially reliant on income from donations. This income fell as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. The status quo creates challenges for predictably funding cancer research in the UK. The purpose of this study was to explore options for how cancer research funding in the UK could be made more resilient. To conduct this research, RAND Europe deployed an approach in line with HM Treasury Green Book option appraisal guidance and based on multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Drawing on desk research, stakeholder interviews and workshops, and in consultation with Cancer Research UK, the research team compiled and appraised a long-list of funding options, including more government investment in cancer research via public agencies; direct government funding to cancer research charities; an endowment fund; government-issued ‘cancer research’ bonds/gilts; megafunds; crowdfunding; venture philanthropy; outcome partnerships/social impact bonds; hypothecated tax; and public-private partnerships (including matched funding). From this long-list, the research team identified an endowment fund as the preferred option for funding non-commercial cancer research in the UK. Researchers then explored the wider ramifications of an endowment fund, including who might be expected to fund it and how it may interact with the wider cancer and medical research funding landscape.