The UK NSC 2026 call for screening topics is now open

Following [our earlier announcement] that the 2026 call would open on 1 July, the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) call for proposals is now open.

The open call provides an opportunity for researchers, clinicians, patient groups and other stakeholders to bring forward topics where there is evidence that screening could improve health outcomes.

Proposals should be based on peer‑reviewed evidence. They should focus on screening people who are generally well and do not have symptoms, rather than focusing on the clinical management of existing patients.

During the 3‑month open call period, submissions are checked to see whether they fall within the [UK NSC's remit] and include enough information to be considered further. We may then take forward proposals that are within remit for further evidence review work.

Before you submit

We have published a series of recent blog articles to help support high‑quality submissions to this year's open call. These explain the following key concepts that are often misunderstood or where additional clarity is helpful:

1. [what evidence is needed when proposing changes to screening]
2. [how the UK NSC considers new screening tests] and their impact on the whole screening pathway
3. [what we mean by targeted screening] and how it differs from clinical management and other forms of testing

Please refer to these blog articles to help you decide whether your proposal is suitable for the UK NSC open call and how best to present your evidence.

Making a submission

Submissions must be made during the open call period (1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026) and should follow the [published guidance] on what to include in a proposal and how to submit it.

The guidance explains:

1. what types of proposals are within the UK NSC's remit
2. the level and type of evidence expected
3. how proposals are assessed once submitted

Proposals received after the closing date of 30 September 2026 will not be considered in this cycle.

Outside the open call period, the UK NSC continues to review the evidence for topics that it has previously assessed. See [UK NSC recommendations] for more information.

Keep up to date

The UK NSC blog provides up to date news from the UK NSC. You can [register to receive updates] direct to your inbox, so there is no need to keep checking for new articles. If you have any questions about this blog article, or about the work of the UK NSC, please email uknsc@dhsc.gov.uk.

You may also be interested in:

• [What the UK NSC looks for when considering new screening tests]
• [Explaining targeted screening]
• [What evidence supports the UK NSC to recommend screening]

Related content and links:

• [UK NSC homepage]
• [UK NSC helpdesk]
• [Introduction to population screening e-learning]
• [Screening in Wales]
• [Screening in Scotland]
• [Screening in Northern Ireland]
• [Screening in England]
• [UK NSC blog archive] (articles before May 2021)