Our Research Strategy 2026-2031

From Discovery to a Cure: Our Research Strategy 2026-2031 set outs how we will use the funds we raise to drive research that gets us closer to our vision of finding a cure for all types of brain tumours.

During the five-year strategy we will invest £24.3 million into research focused on three connected strategic aims.

Read our Research Strategy

Our Research Strategic Aims

  • Grow research capacity and infrastructures

    We will strengthen the foundations for research into brain tumours in the UK – investing in the infrastructure and talent needed to drive innovation, discovery and impact for patients.

    • By building a network of world-class UK Centres of Excellence to attract, train and inspire outstanding researchers

    • By supporting our Centres to create vibrant research environments and develop the next generation of research leaders

    • By providing funding for essential collections, tools and resources needed to drive discovery

    • By strengthening connections across our funded portfolio, expanding opportunities for joint projects, secondments and researcher exchanges

  • Advance knowledge and deliver breakthroughs

    We will ensure our research portfolio maintains the breadth and depth needed to deliver impact for patients with all types of brain tumours.

    • By investing in Centres of Excellence focused on the most impactful areas of research into brain tumours

    • By providing targeted funding for strategic partnerships and initiatives that bring fresh expertise to drive innovation and deliver breakthroughs

    • By prioritising knowledge sharing and requiring all funded research to be published Open Access

  • Accelerate treatment development

    Through all our funding, campaigning and policy work, we will speed up the development of treatments, by growing the pipeline of therapies, ensuring more treatments make it into clinical trials, and increasing patient access to trials and treatments.

    • By continuing to invest in the Brain Tumour Research Novel Therapeutics Accelerator (BTR-NTA)

    • By strengthening translational capabilities across our Centre network, and facilitating collaboration with the BTR-NTA

    • By building strategic partnerships to strengthen the translational research environment in the UK

    • By delivering on our campaigning pledge to increase the number of patients on clinical trials

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How we work

Our research strategy is underpinned by four key enablers. Combining rigorous scientific oversight with a patient-centred approach, our research is both world-class and aligned with patient priorities. Our targeted policy and advocacy programme is creating a favourable environment for research into brain tumours in the UK. And through our strong partnerships and collaborations, we are amplifying the impact of our funding and driving innovation.

Our Foundations

Our strong foundations ensure we operate with integrity and impact.

• Robust grant and financial management mean every donation we receive is used responsibly and effectively to support high-quality research

• Being a trusted, professional and values-driven organisation allows us to build strong relationships with all our communities

• A positive and inclusive working culture ensures that our organisation continues to thrive and our team can turn ideas into action

“Through the strategic allocation of our resources, we are strengthening the conditions for innovation, collaboration and scientific progress. In doing so, we are accelerating the development of new treatments in order to improve outcomes for people affected by brain tumours. We are striving towards a future where a brain tumour diagnosis is no longer defined by uncertainty, distress and limited options, but where patients have hope, personalised care pathways and a realistic expectation that they will get better.”

Dr Karen Noble, Director of Research and Policy

Download our Research Strategy Report

Our Impact

Brain Tumour Research has been driving progress towards finding a cure for brain tumours since the Charity was established in 2009. We have invested £37.5 million directly into research and supported 315 research personnel. We now fund six Centres of Excellence and four Funded Initiatives, which have leveraged tens of millions of pounds in further investment. From developing personalised treatment and repurposing existing medications for new therapies, to accelerating and underpinning new clinical trials for high-grade, low-grade and paediatric brain tumours, our research is giving hope to countless families affected. Your support is helping us make real progress. To learn more about the impact you are helping us have, read our Closer to a Cure report.

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The fine print

  • Brain Tumour Research is a member of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)

    As members of the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), our grants to British Universities are boosted by the Charities Research Support Fund (CRSF). The Fund has varied in recent years, but in 2025 it stood at 18% - so every £100 invested by the Charity turned into £118 funding for scientists.

    We endorse the AMRC position statements on supporting research in universities, the use of animals in medical research, and public involvement. We expect our funded researchers to adhere to these statements as well.

  • Brain Tumour Research Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB)

    Our SMAB provides independent, objective reviews of our research programme and strategy.

    SMAB members are chosen due to their internationally-regarded experience and expertise, enabling them to provide invaluable scientific support and advice to the Charity, our researchers and our Board of Trustees.

  • Brain Tumour Research is a “prestigious” funder

    UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has recognised Brain Tumour Research as an endorsed funder for the Global Talent visa, the UK’s specialist research and innovation visa.

    This means the charity is recognised as a prestigious funder of research and innovation with an excellent track record of awarding funding to researchers with critical skills, following a rigorous peer review process.

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