Data-driven Cancer Research Conference 2026
Introduction and learning objectives
Our next Data-driven cancer research conference is taking place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre from 24-26 February 2026.
Building on the success of our sold-out 2024 inaugural event, the conference has expanded to a three-day programme. We'll be exploring the future of data-enabled cancer research, highlighting the transformational role of emerging tools and technologies in advancing our understanding of cancer. Each day is dedicated to a specific theme:
Day 1 - Horizon scanning technologies with quantum sensing, quantum imaging and quantum computation as exemplars.
Day 2 - Revolutionising cancer research: the transformative role of AI.
Day 3 - Personalising cancer medicine: the power of health data.
Throughout the event, we will also focus on how we can build vital trust and transparency regarding the use of patient data through patient and public involvement and engagement. Additionally, we’ll work together to address data solutions to shared challenges in children's and young people's cancers.
This is a must-attend event for anyone working in cancer research, data science, bioinformatics, computational oncology, computer science, mathematics or statistics including those working at the interface between these disciplines. The event is open to researchers from all career stages from across the world.
Abstracts
All attendees are eligible to submit a poster abstract, showcasing your work in data.
Early career researchers can also apply for the chance to present their work through a flash talk.
Deadline for abstracts is 19 October 2025.
Applicants will be notified of acceptance from 24 November 2025. The presenting author of the abstract must register for the event.
Poster viewing will take place throughout the conference.
Meet our scientific committee
Andi Roy
Professor of Paediatric Haematology, University of Oxford
Claude Chelala
Professor of Bioinformatics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London
Debbie Keatley
Patient affiliate
Ellen Bisci
Patient affiliate
Michael Cuthbert
Director, National Quantum Computing Centre
Raj Jena
Professor of AI in Radiation Oncology, University of Cambridge Department of Oncology and Cambridge University Hospitals
Shaumya Kularajan
Patient affiliate
Tony Ng
Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology Translational Research, GSK
Meet our keynote speakers
Cathie Sudlow
Director of the Usher Institute, School of Population Health Sciences, The University of Edinburgh and Director of the UKRI Adolescent Health Study
Why data matters: Enabling large scale population health research in the UK in the 'big data' era
Mhairi Aitken
Senior Ethics Fellow, The Alan Turing Institute
Why children are key to responsible AI
Meet our conference co-chairs
Greg Hannon
Senior Group Leader, Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute
Day 2 - Revolutionising cancer research: the transformative role of AI
Raj Jena
Professor of AI in Radiation Oncology, University of Cambridge Department of Oncology and Cambridge University Hospitals
Day 2 - Revolutionising cancer research: the transformative role of AI
Melissa Davis
Director, Institute of Translational Genomic Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine
Day 3 - Personalising cancer medicine: the power of health data
Tony Ng
Senior Vice President and Head of Oncology Translational Research, GSK
Day 3 - Personalising cancer medicine: the power of health data
Mark Lawler
Professor of Digital Health, Queen’s University Belfast and Scientific Director, DATA-CAN
Day 3 - Personalising cancer medicine: the power of health data
Registration
The second edition of our conference takes place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Tuesday 24 – Thursday 26 February 2026.
Fees
Registration includes VAT, networking lunch and coffee breaks on all days. There will also be networking drinks receptions on days one and two, with bowl food available on Wednesday 25 February.
Ticket pricing
| Early bird admission until 19 September 2025 |
Standard rate admission Until 9 Jan 2026 |
Final admission From 10 Jan 2026 |
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| Early career - Student/Postdoc | £255 | £310 | £370 |
| Academic / Clinician | £360 | £430 | £510 |
| Healthcare professionals | £360 | £430 | £510 |
| Industry attendees | £750 | £900 | £1080 |
| Not for profit | £300 | £360 | £430 |
| LMIC* | N/A | £100 | N/A |
| Patient representatives ** | Free | Free | Free |
* Applicable to attendees working in developing countries only. At the time of application, developing countries are defined according to the World Bank classification of low, lower-middle and upper-middle countries based on the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita.
**Places are available for patient representatives if this is an area of interest for you. Reach out to us for a link to the application form to apply for a free place at the event. A limited number of travel bursaries are also available for patient representatives.
Cancellation policy
Attendees wishing to cancel their place can receive a full refund if notified by email by 27 January 2026. Cancellations received between 28 January 2026 – 9 February 2026 will be subject to an administration charge of 6.5% + 59p per ticket. Cancellations received after 10 February 2026 will not be refunded.
All cancellations must be made in writing to researchevents@cancer.org.uk Attendees can send a replacement free of charge. Cancer Research UK is not liable for any travel or accommodation costs relating to attendee bookings.
COVID-19 guidance
The health and safety of our attendees and those you work with remain our highest priority. We will continue to closely monitor developments relating to COVID-19 and review guidance from government bodies. Further information and advice will be emailed to registered attendees ahead of the event.
Sponsorship
If you are interested in sponsoring the conference, please contact our Research Events team via researchevents@cancer.org.uk
Attending the conference
The conference will be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC), The Exchange, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE, Scotland
By Bus: Edinburgh's primary bus terminal is at St Andrews Square, offering connections across the UK. For routes, visit: National Express or City Link. For local services, check Lothian Buses.
By Train: Edinburgh boasts two railway stations, Check Scot Rail or Trainline for more information:
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Waverley Station: 1.3 miles from EICC, with direct routes nationwide.
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Haymarket Station: Just 0.4 miles from EICC, serving commuter and UK routes. Check with your provider for stops.
By Tram: Edinburgh Trams operate between Airport and York Place. Closest stop to EICC is at Haymarket Station. Visit Edinburgh Trams website for details.
Walk from Haymarket Station: Exit Haymarket Station, head east towards pedestrian crossing, walk straight up Morrison Street to find EICC on the left.
From Edinburgh Airport by Bus: Take Airlink 100 for a frequent service to the city center. Disembark at Haymarket Station and follow signs to EICC (5-minute walk). Visit Lothian Buses for more info.
Get detailed directions from the venue website.
Important travel information to the UK
The UK government has issued new travel advice for international travel to the UK from April 2025. Attendees should visit the UK Government website to check if an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) is required to enter the UK. Guidance on how to apply for an ETA can also be found on the website.
Venue accessibility
The EICC is a modern, purpose-built and fully accessible events venue. The venue has been designed to be inclusive to people of all abilities.
HEPA air purifiers will be in place across the rooms used for the conference.
Please visit the venue website for more information about accessibility throughout the venue.
Accommodation
Cancer Research UK are not liable for any travel or accommodation costs.
There are many hotels in the area, including:
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Point A Edinburgh (49 yards from conference venue)
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Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa Edinburgh (0.4m from conference venue)
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Hub by Premier Inn Edinburgh Haymarket Hotel (0.2m from conference venue)
Guiding principles for our research events and conferences
Our research events are designed to showcase cutting-edge science, bring together an international scientific community and facilitate collaborations.
We've prioritised embedding equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, patient and public involvement and environmental sustainability across all our research activities.