ECMC Industry Engagement 2025: Advancing Early-Phase Oncology Across the UK

The Experimental Cancer Medicine Centre (ECMC) Network continues to play a central role in making the UK a leading destination for early-phase cancer research. In our latest Industry Engagement Report 2025, we highlight how targeted, proactive engagement with industry partners is helping position the UK as a competitive and attractive location for innovative oncology trials.

This work supports the wider national agenda to improve clinical research delivery and aligns closely with programmes such as the UK Clinical Research Delivery (UKCRD) Programme. With its unique national footprint and centralised Programme Office, the ECMC Network provides industry with a clear and coordinated route into early-phase capability across adult, paediatric and haematology communities.

What's the opportunity?

Early-phase oncology trials are becoming more complex, with companies increasingly seeking scientific input and operational readiness earlier in the development process. The challenge for the UK is to remain competitive in a global landscape where trial placement decisions are influenced by speed, capability, and confidence in national infrastructure.

To meet this challenge, the ECMC Programme Office has focused on building strong, strategic relationships with industry, ensuring companies can access the right expertise, navigate feasibility efficiently, and gain confidence in the UK research environment.

How has the ECMC Network made a difference?

In 2025, the ECMC Network strengthened the UK’s early-phase oncology offer through earlier and more strategic engagement with industry, enabling deeper scientific dialogue and improved trial planning. Our presence at major national and international conferences enhanced the UK’s visibility globally, while continued collaboration with NIHR, UKCRFs, the VIP and the UKCRD Programme supported a more unified national research pathway.

We also played an important role in shaping regulatory improvement, convening a dedicated MHRA roundtable to share insights from across the Network and contribute to a more agile and innovation-friendly environment.

Alongside this, we invested in education and capability building—delivering a radiopharmaceutical educational webinar, expanding the Junior Investigator Network Group (JING), and advancing a patient information tool co-developed with industry partners to support patient understanding of early-phase trials.

Making a difference: What this means for early-phase oncology

These achievements demonstrate the ECMC Network’s growing impact, not only in attracting high-value opportunities to the UK, but also in shaping national research infrastructure, strengthening capability, and supporting a more transparent and patient-centred clinical research environment.

Want to know more?

Read the full ECMC Industry Engagement Report 2025, including key achievements and plans for 2026.