深度报告-2025-08-11-兰德-英国癌症研究更具弹性的资金选择评估（英）页_55页_1mb

Summary of "More Resilient Funding for Cancer Research in the UK"

Core Content

This report, conducted by RAND Europe and commissioned by Cancer Research UK (CRUK), explores options for creating a more resilient funding model for non-commercial and pre-commercial cancer research in the UK. The study identifies and evaluates potential funding mechanisms to ensure sustained investment in cancer research, especially in light of the vulnerability of current models to economic fluctuations and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on charitable donations.

The report outlines a structured approach to option appraisal, using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) in line with HM Treasury's Green Book guidance. It involves a comprehensive literature review, stakeholder interviews, and two deliberative workshops with CRUK and other key players in the UK research ecosystem. The goal is to find a funding model that can withstand future economic shocks and maintain the UK's strong position in global cancer research.

Main Viewpoints

• UK's Strong Position in Medical Research: The UK contributes significantly to global medical research, including cancer research, despite its relatively small share of the global economy. This position is vital for both public and global health and supports the UK economy through scientific and commercial activity.

• Current Funding Model Vulnerability: Cancer research in the UK is heavily reliant on charitable donations, making it susceptible to economic downturns and changes in public sentiment. This was highlighted by the drop in funding post-Covid-19, which affected clinical trials and discovery science.

• Need for Resilience: The study emphasizes the importance of long-term, stable funding for cancer research. Fluctuations in funding can lead to loss of expertise, underutilization of research infrastructure, and the abandonment of research lines, all of which are costly to restore.

• Preferred Option: Endowment Fund: After a thorough appraisal process, the report concludes that establishing a dedicated endowment fund for cancer research is the most promising option. It is seen as a resilient model that can attract both private and public funding.

Key Information

Funding Landscape in the UK

• In 2022, non-commercial and pre-commercial medical research received about £5bn in public and charity funding, with £388m specifically allocated to cancer research by CRUK in 2020/21, representing a 28% real-terms reduction from 2019/20.
• The charity sector provides over 60% of cancer research funding in the UK, highlighting its central role in sustaining the research effort.

Resilient Funding Options Considered

The study identified and evaluated the following options for more resilient funding:

1. Endowment Fund
2. Government-issued long-term 'cancer research' bonds
3. Venture philanthropy
4. Outcome partnerships
5. Hypothecated tax (taxpayer-nominated funds for cancer research)
6. Public-private partnerships (including matched funding)

These options were evaluated based on several criteria, including:

• Scale of funds available per year
• Cost per £1m per annum of funding raised
• Variability and predictability of funding
• Public acceptability
• Practicality of implementation
• Allocation flexibility

Preferred Option: Endowment Fund

• An endowment fund is proposed as the preferred model for more resilient cancer research funding.
• It is likely to attract broad support if established as a distinct entity, ensuring transparency and efficient management.
• The endowment could be funded through a mix of private and public sources, including philanthropy, government borrowing, and tax mechanisms.
• The governing body of the endowment should include key stakeholders such as UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Medical Research Council (MRC), the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), and CRUK itself.

Implementation Considerations

• A new endowment would need to be supported by both private and public funding sources.
• The report suggests that while public funding alone may not be sufficient, it could be combined with private contributions.
• The endowment should be managed independently to ensure transparency and coordination of research activities.
• The study highlights the importance of engaging with various stakeholders, including the charity, public, and private sectors, to ensure the endowment's success and alignment with broader research goals.

Conclusion

The report concludes that establishing an endowment for cancer research is the most viable option for creating a more resilient funding model. It offers a stable and sustainable source of funding that can help the UK maintain its leadership in cancer research despite economic uncertainties. The endowment model is seen as a way to ensure long-term investment in research, which is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and improving patient outcomes.