(Episode 146) How do funders support research cultures?: Behind the scenes at Cancer Research UK
Wed Feb 04 2026
In today's episode, Taryn Bell talks to Dr Mat Tata, Research Programme Manager (EDI in Research) at Cancer Research UK. Mat leads CRUK's work on equality, diversity and inclusion in research, and offers us an insight into research culture from the funder's perspective.
Key highlights:
1️⃣Understanding the grant review process - Mat discusses how decisions are made across CRUK's funding calls, and the steps CRUK has taken to ensure their funding process is transparent, proportional and equitable.
2️⃣Funders as a mechanism for healthier research cultures - Taryn and Mat discuss the role of funders like CRUK in encouraging good behaviour while managing more serious issues of research misconduct.
3️⃣Cancer Research UK's role in supporting researchers and the public - Mat discusses how CRUK is different from other funders, and shares some of their recent work improving science literacy across the UK.
Want to know more about Cancer Research UK, or about the resources mentioned in this episode?
CRUK's EDI in Research Strategic ApproachCRUK's Policy on dignity at work in researchCRUK's Research integrity guidelinesCRUK's Research in Cancers of Unmet NeedCRUK's Narrative CV guidance'Research careers – changing the narrative for CVs' (written by Mat)PEP-CV - the narrative CV mentorship platform
All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists:
Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged Halla...
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In today's episode, Taryn Bell talks to Dr Mat Tata, Research Programme Manager (EDI in Research) at Cancer Research UK. Mat leads CRUK's work on equality, diversity and inclusion in research, and offers us an insight into research culture from the funder's perspective. Key highlights: 1️⃣Understanding the grant review process - Mat discusses how decisions are made across CRUK's funding calls, and the steps CRUK has taken to ensure their funding process is transparent, proportional and equitable. 2️⃣Funders as a mechanism for healthier research cultures - Taryn and Mat discuss the role of funders like CRUK in encouraging good behaviour while managing more serious issues of research misconduct. 3️⃣Cancer Research UK's role in supporting researchers and the public - Mat discusses how CRUK is different from other funders, and shares some of their recent work improving science literacy across the UK. Want to know more about Cancer Research UK, or about the resources mentioned in this episode? CRUK's EDI in Research Strategic ApproachCRUK's Policy on dignity at work in researchCRUK's Research integrity guidelinesCRUK's Research in Cancers of Unmet NeedCRUK's Narrative CV guidance'Research careers – changing the narrative for CVs' (written by Mat)PEP-CV - the narrative CV mentorship platform All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Bluesky and LinkedIn)Research Impact Heroes with Ged Halla...