The Wales Cancer Research Centre has announced the last call for its Access to patient Samples for Translational Research Award (ASTRA). This innovative funding stream is open to all cancer researchers in Wales, irrespective of field of study, seniority and geographical location. The awards have been introduced to build research capacity based around biological samples.
In this final round, due to limitation of remaining funds and the short time frame for completion of study (April 2020,) we are requesting applications for Sample Access Only with an upper limit of £2,500 for each award. Funds will be awarded for access to samples from Welsh cancer biobanks or, where relevant, bespoke collections sourced through Welsh NHS clinics. These include, but are not limited to, those sourced through the Wales Cancer Bank (WCB). A full breakdown and justification of costs will be required in the application so it is strongly recommended that you engage with the appropriate biobanks or clinical pipelines to ascertain sample availability within the timeframe, and all associated costs.
The deadline for applications is Friday 22 February 2019. Successful bids will be announced shortly after and funds will be made available before the end of March 2019.