[Cancer Research UK](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org)

October 2, 2025 (Outline) | February 2026 (Full, TBC)

Up to £1.5 million over 5 years, including salaries, running expenses, and equipment for the fellow and up to two posts.

Supports established clinician scientists in leading independent, innovative cancer research and advancing their careers as research leaders.

No tenured academic post allowed; must be UK-based during fellowship.

--- ## Description The Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship from Cancer Research UK is designed to empower established clinician scientists to develop further research independence and leadership in academic cancer research. This fellowship supports individuals looking to lead innovative projects in cancer biology, early diagnosis, prevention, and related research areas. In addition to financial support, the fellowship offers leadership training, networking, and career development opportunities within a vibrant research community. --- ## Due Dates - **Outline Application Deadline:** October 2, 2025 - **Full Application Deadline:** February 2026 (to be confirmed; invite-only after outline review) - **Next Interview & Committee Review:** May 2026 Applications are considered twice per year, but the next available outline deadline is October 2, 2025. Always check the [program page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/advanced-clinician-scientist-fellowship) for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - **Total Award:** Up to £1.5 million over 5 years - **Covers:** - Fellow’s salary (honorary consultant grade) - Salaries and running expenses for up to two posts (postdoc, technician, or non-clinical PhD student) - Associated running expenses - Equipment (up to £25,000) - Relocation costs (up to £1,000) - Leadership development (e.g., EMBO Lab Leadership for Group Leaders course) --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be established, independent clinician scientists (consultant status with CCT) - Hold a higher degree (MD/PhD) in a cancer-relevant research area - Have significant postdoctoral research experience - Be based at a UK university or research institute for the duration of the fellowship - Demonstrate skills and experience at the ‘establishing independence’ career stage, as defined in the [CRUK Fellowships Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-career-development-opportunities/competency-framework-for-fellowships) - Not hold a tenured academic post at a higher education or research institute **Ineligible:** Proposals involving interventional clinical trials or drug discovery. --- ## Application Process 1. **(Optional) Eligibility Enquiry:** Submit a CV and [Eligibility Enquiry Form](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/rcc_eligibility_enquiry_form.docx) to [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) at least 1 month (no later than 2 weeks) before the deadline. 2. **Outline Application:** Submit via the [Flexi-Grant system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/). Reviewed by the Research Careers Committee. 3. **Full Application:** If shortlisted, submit a full application (invite-only). Must be approved by your host institution. 4. **Interview:** Shortlisted applicants are interviewed by an Expert Review Panel. 5. **Decision:** The Research Careers Committee makes final funding decisions. **Restrictions:** Generally, only two submissions per applicant at the same career stage are allowed. If reapplying, contact CRUK before starting a new application. **Supporting Documents:** - [Outline Application Guidelines](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/rcc_acsf_outline_application_guidelines_autumn_2025.pdf) - [Full Application Guidelines](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/file/acsf-full-application-guidelines) - [Grant conditions](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/conditions-of-your-grant) --- ## Additional Information - Success rate (2020–2025): 19.2% - Additional benefits include networking, leadership training, flexible working policies, and an accelerated UK Tier 1 visa route. - Priority given to scientifically excellent projects focusing on cancers with substantial unmet need (brain, lung, pancreas, oesophagus, stomach, liver). - Disability and accessibility support available ([guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/disability-and-accessibility-support-for-applicants-and-grant-holders)). --- ## External Links - [Program Page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/advanced-clinician-scientist-fellowship) - [Fellowships Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-career-development-opportunities/competency-framework-for-fellowships) - [Flexi-Grant Application Portal](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - [How to Make a Successful Application](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/how-to-make-a-successful-application) - [Career Development Opportunities](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-career-development-opportunities) - [Recently Awarded Grants](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/how-we-deliver-research/recently-funded-awards#Population%20Research%20Committee) - [EMBO Lab Leadership Course](https://lab-management.embo.org/dates#group-leaders) --- ## Contact Information | Region | Research Grants Manager | Email | |---------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | London (except Imperial and ICR), North East, Scotland, NI | Dr Catherine Cremona | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, South East and West | Dr Elisabetta Gamen | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | London (Imperial and ICR), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | For general programme support or to discuss challenges, contact the research careers programme managers at [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk). ---

Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship

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