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<p>Research is crucial in the fight against cancer, which is why the Department invests
£1 billion per year in health research through the National Institute for Health and
Care Research (NIHR). NIHR research expenditure for all cancers was £121 million for
2022/23.</p><p>In terms of establishing targeted funding into pancreatic cancer, the
NIHR funds research in response to proposals received from scientists rather than
allocating funding to specific disease areas. It is not usual practice to ring-fence
funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review
and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of
the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money, and scientific
quality.</p><p>The Government, through the NIHR, is committed to improving research
into pancreatic cancer and cancers with the poorest survival rates by funding high
quality, timely research that leads to improved outcomes for patients and the public,
and makes the health and social care system more efficient, effective, and safe. Research
evidence is vital for improving treatments and outcomes for people, including those
with pancreatic cancer and other less survivable cancers.</p><p>In 2023, the Government
awarded £2 million to new interdisciplinary research teams tackling hard to treat
cancers, via the Medical Research Council, which hosted a two-day cancer sandpit strategic
funding opportunity, focused on technological innovation for understanding cancers
with the poorest survival rates.</p><p>The NIHR has funded seven research projects
for pancreatic cancer for the period 2019 to 2023, with a total committed spend of
approximately £3.6 million. The NIHR also supports the delivery of pancreatic cancer
research funded by those in the charity and public sectors. For example, since 2019,
the NIHR Clinical Research Network has supported over 70 pancreatic cancer-related
studies.</p><p>The NIHR continues to encourage and welcome applications for research
into any aspect of human health, including pancreatic cancer. All applications are
assessed for funding by peer review committees. The level of research spend in a particular
area is driven by factors including the quality of the proposals and their scientific
potential. All applications for research into pancreatic cancer and other less survivable
cancers made through open competition have been funded.</p>
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