About the School
What is the CanTest International School?
The CanTest International School for Cancer Detection Research in Primary Care is a prestigious, 5-day residential course in Cambridge, UK, hosted by the Wolfson Institute of Population Health. Building on a successful track record since 2018, our program is designed to equip early career researchers with knowledge of research innovations and novel methods and technologies and enable you develop the skills you need to apply them to your research. The school also focuses on supporting early career researchers to gain mentorship and to build the international research connections needed to excel in your career. With support from Cancer Research UK, our mission is to empower you to lead the next wave of transformational research.
Why Attend?
Unlock Your Potential in Cancer Detection Research
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum:
Explore the latest innovations in cancer research, including AI-driven analytics, advanced imaging, multi-cancer detection and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) based tests.
- Expert-Led Sessions:
Learn from internationally renowned academic and industry experts through interactive talks, masterclasses, and hands-on workshops.
- Networking & Collaboration:
Build lasting international collaborations and expand your research network with peers and mentors from different disciplines from around the world.
- Practical Skills Development:
Engage in group work and practical sessions that focus on core quantitative and qualitative methods, study design, and effective science communication.
Course Structure & Content
Interactive Learning Modules
1. Hot Topic Sessions
- Updates on recent advances in primary care cancer detection, including ctDNA-based and multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests.
2. Masterclasses
- In-depth training on cutting edge research methods, such as machine learning applications (e.g., BERT), to help you refine your own research approaches.
3. Big Ideas Workshops
- Collaborative sessions designed to help you develop, strengthen, and receive feedback on your research ideas.
4. Collaboration Sessions
- Structured networking opportunities to build new international partnerships, supported by clinical and methodological experts.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the CanTest School, participants will be able to:
- Master Research Methodologies:
Understand when to apply core quantitative and qualitative methods in cancer detection research.
- Evaluate Innovative Technologies:
Critically assess the potential impact of new technologies including AI, muti-cancer detection approaches, and ctDNA-based tests in primary care.
- Design Impactful Studies:
Develop robust study designs to address key questions in early cancer detection.
- Communicate Effectively:
Present your research ideas clearly to both scientific and lay audiences.
- Foster Collaborative Networks:
Work with multidisciplinary teams to generate innovative research ideas and develop projects.
Who Should Apply?
Target Audience: Early Career Researchers
Our CanTest School is ideal for:
- Masters and PhD Students
- Post-Doctoral Researchers
- Medical Students and Clinical Researchers
- Researchers Transitioning to the Field of Early Cancer Detection
Additional requirements:
- Language: The course will be delivered in English. Attendees need to be competent in written and spoken English (equivalent to IELTS score of ≥6.5).
- Visa: Attendees need to ensure that they are eligible to attend the course and will be expected to arrange their own visa where required (supporting documents regarding attendance at the course can be provided).
Special consideration is given to candidates from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) with dedicated fully funded places to ensure global participation and diverse perspectives.
Programme Details
- Duration:
5-Day Residential Course from September 8 through September 12, 2025. - Delivery Mode:
Face-to-face sessions combining interactive lectures, group work, and hands-on workshops. - Location:
Emmanuel College – University of Cambridge. - Host:
Centre for Cancer Screening, Prevention, and Early Diagnosis, Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London.
Explore opportunities for further study at Queen Mary University of London.
Fees & Funding
The CanTest School is part-funded by Cancer Research UK enabling us to offer places at a highly subsidised rate.
For High-Income Country (HIC) Participants:
- Fees:
- £395 School fee
This fee includes:
- 5 nights accommodation in Emmanuel College
- Refreshments and lunches during the course
- A formal School Dinner held in Emmanuel College
HIC attendees are expected to fund their own travel to and from Cambridge for the School, evening meals for 4 nights and, where required, visa costs.
For Low and Middle Income Country (LMIC) Participants:
- Up to 5 fully funded Scholarship places are available.
- Scholarships will cover:
- All School fees
- Travel and subsistence costs up to £1000
Those applying for Scholarship places will be asked to indicate this when applying and will be asked to submit an up-to-date CV and personal statement.
This funding support is intended to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent passionate researchers from joining our global community.
If you are interested in applying for a Scholarship but unsure about eligibility, please contact candetect@qmul.ac.uk
“I absolutely loved it! Thank you so much for the opportunity. I learnt so much and connected with so many fantastic people.” “Honestly, CanTest is one of the best conferences that I’ve ever attended. Very well organised, very useful, very specific, and great research connection for future collaboration.”— — Cantest School 2022 participants
Meet the Faculty
Our expert faculty comprises leaders in cancer detection research who guide you through the School. Their combined expertise spans epidemiology, innovative diagnostic technologies, AI applications, behavioural science, and primary care research. We will be joined by additional international expert speakers during the course of the School.
Testimonials
Read more about how our School has impacted early career researchers over the past years.
“A long week of educational talks was only the beginning; much of the focus of the International School was on forming new collaborations and working relationships to improve the diagnosis of cancer in primary care. It was a brilliant week, in a special location with some excellent researchers. I felt very lucky to be involved.”— — Cantest School 2019 participant
“It was an absolutely brilliant week – informative and a great opportunity to network. I had an absolute blast and have definitely come away with new contacts, project ideas and also a greater confidence in myself as a young researcher. This was an amazing opportunity.”— — Cantest School 2018 participant
Contact Us
For further information, please get in touch:
- Email: candetect@qmul.ac.uk
Join us at the CanTest International School and become part of a global movement to revolutionise cancer detection in primary care.