About the BACR
Formed in 1960, the British Association for Cancer Research (https://www.bacr.org.uk) is a professional membership association for anyone carrying out cancer research within the United Kingdom and beyond. Our association of around 1450 includes scientists, clinicians and post-graduate students, all working in the cancer field. Our remit is to provide educational and training opportunities for all those involved in the cancer research, particularly the next generation of cancer research professionals.
Our mission statement
The BACR strives to advance and promote all aspects of cancer science through educating and training the present and next generations of cancer researchers. We aim to foster the dissemination and exchange of information through conferences and meetings, bringing together experts from academia, industry, charitable and health sectors to progress understanding of cancer and the development of new treatments.
What we do
Our members benefit from access to a wide range of activities. We organise several scientific conferences and workshops every year, and offer meeting bursaries and fellowships to enable our membership to attend cancer-focused events around the world. Our travel exchange scheme supports members to undertake lecture tours, course participation, or to carry out collaborative work. BACR mid-career fellowships provide funds to support travel to a different laboratory, to enable the applicant to advance an on-going programme or facilitate a collaboration which may lead to new programmes of work. We also provide the support required for members to organise workshops and scientific meetings, giving many the opportunity to get involved in conference organisation for the first time.
Our awards
We have a range of bursaries and awards available for our members, and in 2023 we handed out 35 awards with a total value of £30,500. In addition, we provide prizes for the best posters and oral presentations at our BACR meetings.
BACR/AstraZeneca Young Scientist Frank Rose Award
Established in 2005, the prestigious BACR/AstraZeneca Young Scientist Frank Rose Award recognises and rewards the achievements of an individual whose work has made significant contributions to translational (laboratory to clinic) cancer research. Recipients are eligible up to 15 years post-PhD and receive £1,000 as well as funding to participate and present their work at a BACR meeting. We are keen to continue to support the very best of our talented cancer researchers through this award and encourage anyone eligible to apply.
The BACR Student Impact Award
Our newest annual award is the Student Impact Award, launched in 2022, which recognises the value of student citizenship in addition to academic achievements. Winners of the £250 prize have to demonstrate that they have engaged in citizenship activities like science communication, public engagement, development of student-led activities, peer support and supervision of undergraduate or Master’s students, or committee membership. We are pleased to receive a number of high-quality applications, demonstrating a wide range of activities and commitment to citizenship by our student members.
Tiffany Ma, the 2022 Student Impact Award winner, said: “My advice to fellow students is to ensure that you surround yourself with an amazing network of peers and mentors who can support you during your PhD, and to give back to this community where you can, e.g., by mentoring new students and members. Moreover, my other message is to invest time, even if just a little, into non-PhD related interests, socials or activities to avoid burnout and to ensure good mental health.”
Our 65th Anniversary is coming up
On the 2nd-4th June 2025, BACR will celebrate its 65th year by bringing together cancer researchers for our anniversary meeting at the Royal Society of Physicians in the fabulous city of Edinburgh, UK. In addition to an excellent scientific programme showcasing the most recent developments in cancer research, there will be plenty of opportunities for networking and establishing those new collaborations. Join us in Edinburgh and help us celebrate the big BACR birthday in style.
About National Societies affiliated with the EACR
BACR is one of the 14 National Societies that have chosen to affiliate with the European Association for Cancer Research and give their members EACR membership at no extra cost to each member. Click here to find out more about these affiliated National Societies.
