Make an
impact
This Is For Me
This Is For Science
Welcome to the
"This Is for Me - This Is for
Science" Campaign
We're thrilled to have you here!
This campaign, in collaboration with Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the Crick Science Entrepreneur Network (CSEN), is a national initiative to raise funds for crucial proof-of-concept cancer research innovation grants.
“Our mission is to bridge the funding gap in early-stage translational work and increase access to essential funding for scientists across the UK.”
How the Campaign Works
Our campaign has two key elements that together form a powerful movement for change:
The Fundraising Challenge
We’ve partnered with CRUK to deliver an exciting fitness challenge. Whether you prefer to run, cycle, or roll, participants can pledge to cover a distance of 1 to 100 miles. This challenge is open to all fitness levels, and the aim is to push your personal limits while raising crucial funds for cancer research.
The Research Impact
Alongside the fitness challenge, we’re highlighting the incredible work of cancer researchers across the UK. Through short videos from labs nationwide, we’ll showcase how proof-of-concept grants directly support groundbreaking cancer research. These videos connect those raising funds with the innovators who are leading the fight against cancer, illustrating the real-world impact of the money raised.
Why join the fundraising challenge? Whether they’re a seasoned athlete or someone looking for a new challenge, this is their moment to set a goal and achieve something remarkable. The funds raised will support cancer research projects across the UK, providing the necessary resources to move research from the lab to the clinic.
“Each mile run and every pound raised will contribute directly to funding innovation grants that enable researchers to transform their groundbreaking ideas into real-world solutions.”
The campaign's vision was shaped with the help of visionary Kathryn Simpson, author of Leading for Change, whose expertise in driving impactful initiatives has been instrumental in defining our approach. We were also fortunate to have the support of Richard Taylor, an extraordinary CRUK fundraiser known for his exceptional ability to inspire and mobilize communities around important causes.
Why join the Impact Showcase? A unique aspect of this campaign is our focus on showcasing the incredible work happening in labs across the country. We're inviting cancer research scientists and innovators to submit short videos explaining their projects in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand. These videos will be featured throughout the campaign on the CRUK campaign website, launching on the campaign's start date, and on social media channels to highlight the diversity and significance of the research being conducted. Whether your work is at the early stages or you’ve already moved beyond proof of concept, your story will inspire others and help to amplify the importance of this campaign.
Sarah Darling, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
“By sharing your work, you’re not only raising awareness but also demonstrating the tangible impact that proof-of-concept grants can have in advancing innovative cancer research.”
What’s in it for you?
Exposure: Get your research in front of a national audience—this is your moment to shine!
Educate the Public: Help the general public understand the importance of your translational research.
Special Message: Share what drives you and why your research matters.
Grant Consideration: For every person involved, your university will be included in the pool of applications considered for these translational grants. 🌍
Join Us: We're calling on everyone—scientists, innovators, supporters, and advocates—to join us in this journey. Whether by submitting a video, participating in the fitness challenge, donating, or sharing our message, your involvement will make a significant impact. Together, we can ensure that the UK’s cancer research ecosystem continues to grow and that innovative ideas have the support they need to become life-saving treatments.
Let’s make this campaign one to remember. Join us and be part of something truly transformative. 🌟
WHERE WE ARE TODAY
Updated 10 Oct 2024
Cancer Research Impact
Cancer Research Impact
Robert Appleby, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Abhinav Kongari, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Marek Adamowicz, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Miroslav Penchev Ivanov, Translation Research Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Tapoka Mkandawire, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Shudong Li, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Martina Peritore, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Postdoctoral Scientist
Gerard Evans Lab
The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Maria Zagorulya
EMBO Postdoctoral Scientist
Charles Swanton Lab
The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Eric Chih-Chao Liang
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Stephen C. West Laboratory
The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Ana Gomes, Principal Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Luke Greenhough, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Aleksandra Vancevska, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Florian Hubl, PhD Student @ The Francis Crick Institute and University College London (London, UK)
Rhona Millar, PhD Student @ The Francis Crick Institute and University College London (London, UK)
Lorenzo Galanti, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Carla Castignani, PhD Researcher @ The Francis Crick Institute and UCL (London, UK)
Clara Novo, Project Research Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
PhD Student
Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Department of Life Sciences at Imperial College, and The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Non-clinical lecturer in Women's Cancer
Institute for Women's Health
University College London (UCL)
Visiting Scientist
The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Anaid Benitez, Postdoctoral Translation Scholar @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Aurora Idilli, Postdoctoral Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Alice Martin, PhD Student @ The Francis Crick Institute and University College London (London, UK)
Andrea Balukova, Wellcome Trust PhD Researcher @ The Francis Crick Institute and UCL (London, UK)
Venkata Nishita Mohan Parnandi, Postdoctoral Fellow @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Ohm Prakash, Senior Laboratory Research Scientist @ The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Postdoctoral Scientist
Vivian Li Lab
The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Medicinal Chemist
Chemical Biology Group
The Francis Crick Institute (London, UK)
Debra Babalola (left) and Shefali Bohra (right)
Co-Founders of dotplot
New Startup of the Year - Cancer Research Horizons
MSc Innovation Design Engineering
Royal College of Art and Imperial College London (London, UK)
Voices of Discovery
Institutions Behind the Voices Showcased Above
"This Is for Me" AND
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Anyone motivated by the fight against cancer
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Everyone committed to a better future
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Anyone who believes in the power of community
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Every runner pushing their limits for a cause
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Everyone who wants to lead a healthier life
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Anyone who’s ever set a daunting goal
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Everyone who believes in the power of research
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Anyone striving to make a difference
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Every scientist pushing boundaries
Contact us if you’d like to submit a video or blurb showcasing your research
FAQs
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The campaign is set to launch in Autumn 2024
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Anyone can participate, whether you’re an experienced runner, cyclist, or just starting out. The challenge is designed to be accessible to all fitness levels.
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If you're a cancer researcher or innovator and would like to be showcased:
Option 1: Grab your phone, head to your lab or work area, and film yourself explaining your research (less than 1 min, simple). Send videos to CRUKcampaign@gmail.com. Selfies welcomed!Option 2: If you're camera shy or a video isn’t possible, please send me your name, 1-2 sentences describing your work, and your university or research institute affiliation. You can include a picture if you'd like.
Grant Consideration: For every person involved, your university will be included in the pool of applications considered for these translational grants.Once the campaign launches, you can also take part on the fundraising challenge side of the campaign by pledging to run/cycle a specific distance and getting others to do the same! We encourage everyone, regardless of their starting fitness level, to embark on a training journey throughout the duration of the campaign. Whether you're aiming for a 1-mile run or an ultra-marathon, your participation will help raise vital funds for cancer research.
To add a fun and competitive edge, exciting awards will be given in several categories:
Most Miles Completed: Recognizing the participant who runs the greatest total distance.
Most Events Completed: For the participant who takes part in the most events.
Most Money Pledged or Raised: Celebrating those who bring in the most funds for cancer research.
Most Improved: Honoring the participant who shows the most significant improvement in their running distance.
Random Draw: A chance for anyone to win, regardless of performance or fundraising, just for participating.
Get ready to push your limits, support groundbreaking research, and be part of something truly impactful!
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A "proof of concept" (PoC) is a critical stage in the development of a new idea, product, or research project. It involves creating an initial demonstration to show that a concept or theory is feasible and has the potential to be developed further. In the context of cancer research, a proof of concept helps scientists and researchers validate their hypotheses and demonstrate that their innovative ideas can work in practice before committing to full-scale research and development.
For example, in cancer research, a proof of concept might involve early laboratory experiments that show a new treatment can effectively target cancer cells or that a new diagnostic tool can accurately detect cancer in samples. It can also include experiments towards the development of the actual diagnostic tool, refining its functionality and proving its potential effectiveness. The goal is to provide enough preliminary evidence to justify further funding, whether that be for more extensive research, development, or eventual clinical application.
Proof of concept is an essential step in the innovation pipeline because it reduces the risk associated with developing new technologies or treatments. It helps ensure that resources are invested in projects that have demonstrated real potential to succeed and ultimately benefit patients.