INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH: THE ROYAL CANCER HOSPITAL LBG

Their core work

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is one of the world's most influential cancer research centres, combining fundamental molecular biology with translational oncology. Their H2020 work spans cancer evolution and metastasis modelling, structural biology of protein degradation pathways (ubiquitin system, COP9 signalosome), and therapeutic ultrasound physics for pain palliation. They bridge deep mechanistic science — from single-particle cryo-EM to computational tumour phylogenetics — with clinical applications like precision medicine stratification and MR-guided focused ultrasound therapy.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In their early H2020 period (2015–2018), ICR focused on structural biology (cryo-EM of ubiquitin-proteasome complexes), breast cancer risk stratification, and tumour biomechanics (interstitial fluid pressure, MR-elastography). From 2019 onward, the centre shifted decisively toward computational oncology and cancer evolution — tumour phylogenetics, metastatic dormancy, and multi-omics patient stratification for colorectal cancer. This later period also saw growing involvement in paediatric oncology and targeted protein degradation (PROTACs), reflecting a move from basic structural characterisation toward translational and computational approaches.

ICR is converging on computational modelling of tumour evolution and metastasis, positioning itself as a leader in predictive oncology and precision stratification — expect future work at the intersection of multi-omics, single-cell sequencing, and clinical decision-making.

How they like to work

ICR operates primarily as a specialist partner (12 of 16 projects), contributing deep cancer biology expertise to large European consortia rather than leading them. Their 4 coordinated projects are all smaller individual fellowships (MSCA-IF, ERC), suggesting they lead when championing specific researchers but prefer to join broader multi-partner efforts for large-scale translational work. With 160 unique partners across 22 countries, they function as a well-connected hub rather than a closed-circle institution — easy to approach and experienced in multinational collaboration.

ICR has collaborated with 160 distinct partners across 22 countries, indicating a broad European network with strong ties to health research institutions, university hospitals, and computational biology groups. Their participation in large training networks (MSCA-ITN) and multi-partner RIA projects means they are embedded in many of Europe's key oncology consortia.

What sets them apart

ICR combines world-class cancer biology with an unusual breadth that spans structural biology, tumour physics, computational evolution, and clinical stratification — few institutions cover this full spectrum under one roof. Their strength in cancer evolution and metastasis modelling is rare and increasingly valuable as precision oncology demands predictive, not just descriptive, tools. For consortium builders, ICR offers a credible UK partner with deep CORDIS experience and a proven track record of contributing meaningfully without needing to lead.

Highlights from their portfolio

• CANCEREVO
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 749,696) — an ERC-funded project on predicting cancer cell population evolution, reflecting ICR's core strategic direction.
• COLOSSUS
  Flagship precision medicine project applying multi-omics and systems medicine to metastatic colorectal cancer stratification, directly linking ICR's computational strengths to clinical impact.
• FURTHER
  Unusual cross-disciplinary project combining MR-guided focused ultrasound with health economics for palliative bone metastasis treatment — shows ICR's reach beyond pure molecular biology.