Join our research grants lived experience panel

What’s the project about?

The research we fund results in ground-breaking discoveries on how to prevent and treat breast cancer, and how we can improve things for people living with and beyond the disease. Every year, we receive funding applications from researchers. We have the hard task of deciding which research to fund, to make the biggest impact. 

It’s important the decisions we make reflect what’s important to people impacted by the disease. So, we’re setting up a lived experience panel to help us review the applications and decide which research to fund. 

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Dr Sasha Bradshaw

Job title: Research programmes officer

Organisation: Breast Cancer Now

Email address: sasha.bradshaw@breastcancernow.org 

Who can take part?

Anyone who has been personally affected by breast cancer can join the panel. This includes people who 

• Have had family or friends who’ve been diagnosed 
• Are living with or beyond primary breast cancer (including DCIS or a local or regional recurrence of primary breast cancer) 
• Are living with metastatic breast cancer 

You don’t have to have a scientific background to take part. 

Why do you want me to be involved? 

By joining the panel, you can help us make sure that the research we fund reflects the real needs and concerns of the people we’re here for. You’ll ensure that the work we fund has real relevance and impact. 

You’ll bring valuable insight on whether a proposed study addresses questions that genuinely matter to patients. And you can flag where a trial or intervention puts too much strain on the participant. 

What will you ask me to do?

You can find more information about the role in the advisory group application pack. 

As a panel member, you will join the review process once applications have been shortlisted. The role lasts for 3 years, and your main tasks will include:

• Reviewing applications: You will be sent around 5 applications to read and review in your own time
• Attending a review meeting: You will attend an online meeting (likely between Wednesday 7 and Monday 12 October 2026) to discuss the applications
• Future scope: In 2026, you will focus on our Prevention and Cure grants. In 2027, we may ask you to also review our Equity and Wellbeing grants
• Optional committee role: There will be an option for some panel members to attend the main Grants Committee meeting on 18 November 2026 to present the panel's feedback

Expenses and payment: You can claim financial involvement payments for your time, including online meetings:

• £30 for 1–2 hours of activity
• £50 for 3–4 hours of activity
• £100 for a full day

How do I get involved?

If you are interested in applying to join the panel, or have any questions, please get in touch with Dr Sasha Bradshaw at sasha.bradshaw@breastcancernow.org.

She’ll send you more information and arrange an informal interview with you.

When’s the deadline?

13 July 2026