Medical Research
For two decades we have supported early-stage medical research with the goal of transforming prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for generations to come.
Medical research is complex, ambitious work. From laboratory discovery to clinical application, it typically takes over a decade - sometimes considerably longer - to translate a scientific idea into a treatment that genuinely changes lives. It demands sustained investment, meaningful collaboration, and confidence in the research endeavour.
For twenty years, The James Tudor Foundation has remained that committed partner. Between 2005 and 2024, we awarded 145 grants totalling £4.75 million to universities, research charities, and healthcare institutions across the UK.
Our funding has predominantly supported
early-stage discovery science - the foundational work underpinning all medical breakthroughs.
We have backed research into new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease, from innovative diagnostic tools to understanding disease mechanisms, harnessing our convening power to maximise charitable impact.
We have funded PhD students, supported laboratory nurses and technicians, and invested in disease modelling that could shape future treatments.
2005-25
145
Grants awarded
£4.75m
Awarded to universities and research charities
36
Organisations supported
Theme: Disease modelling
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Theme: Treatment development
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Theme: Prevention and diagnosis
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Theme: Treatment evaluation
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What we have learnt and how this funding programme has evolved
From the very beginning, one of The Foundation’s objectives had been to invest in research with strong potential to make a positive difference to patients. In April 2024, mindful of the significant long-term financial commitments required to deliver tangible progress from the bench to the bedside, we decided to close our Medical Research programme.
In making this decision, we reflected on the changing needs of the health charity sector, the pressures facing service delivery charities – particularly hospices – and the need to safeguard the long-term sustainability of our funding model.
Redirecting resources from the Medical Research programme has enabled us to provide greater support to charities working directly with their communities today.
Although we no longer fund medical research directly, our commitment to improving the patient experience remains central to our mission. Through our current funding programmes, we continue to back organisations that are enhancing care, strengthening services, and improving health outcomes across a wide range of settings.
