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

March 2027 (Full application deadline, projected)

Up to £25,000 for standard awards (12 months); up to £50,000 for pathology trainees (12 months)

Short-term funding for early-career clinicians and health professionals to undertake cancer research projects and build skills for future academic careers.

Forecasted cycle—dates are projected; check the program page for updates.

--- ## Description This scheme provides short-term, flexible funding to support clinicians and health professionals at an early career stage who wish to gain experience in cancer research. The bursary is designed to help recipients develop research skills, generate preliminary data, and strengthen applications for future PhD or MD fellowships. Projects may span a wide range of cancer-relevant research areas, including basic science, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, population health, and early detection. Proposals addressing cancers of unmet need, early detection, or other strategic priorities are particularly encouraged. --- ## Due Dates - March 2027 (anticipated full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Standard Pre-doctoral Research Bursary: Up to £25,000 for a project of up to 12 months. - Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Research Bursary (for pathology trainees who are Pathological Society members): Up to £50,000 for 12 months. - Funding may be used for the applicant's salary, running expenses, and research service costs (e.g., statistical support, technician time). - Funding cannot be used for Masters-level courses, PhD/MD tuition or fees, or for applicants already registered for a PhD/MD. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** - Clinicians in training (foundation, core, specialty, or run-through) - Nurses - Allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, radiographers, medical physicists, pharmacists) - Applicants must be eligible to complete clinical training and practice medicine in the UK - **Pathology trainees:** Pathological Society members in a pathology specialty can apply for the joint scheme for up to £50,000. - **Host institution:** UK university or research institute; must have the support of an appropriate supervisor and research group. - **Ineligible:** Those already registered for or holding a PhD/MD, or those with a fellowship that allows research time; those whose salary is already funded by a CRUK institute. - **Flexible working:** Applications for part-time or flexible working are supported, with pro-rated funding. --- ## Application Process - **Contact prior to applying:** Applicants are encouraged to contact the program at least one month before the deadline to discuss eligibility and receive guidance. - **Submission:** Applications are managed via the [Flexi-Grant system](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system). - **Required documents:** - Application form (including research proposal, CV, abstract, and skills/experience) - Justification appendix - Cover letter - Letters of support from supervisors and department heads - Data sharing plan - Declaration of competing interests - Costs and AMRC full economic costing information - **Research proposal:** Max 1,500 words, including objectives, background, plan, milestones, and references. - **Review:** Applications are assessed by the Research Careers Committee on scientific rationale, cancer relevance, applicant potential, and access to resources. - **Feedback:** Provided after review; decisions are final. --- ## Additional Information - **Disability and accessibility:** Adjustments are available throughout the application and grant period; no formal diagnosis required. - **Flexible research careers:** Career breaks, part-time work, and changes in discipline are accommodated. - **Costs guidance:** Only direct research costs are funded; see [costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants). - **Salary guidance:** See [salary guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/salary-guidance-grants) for eligible/ineligible salary costs. - **Support for underrepresented groups:** Early-career researchers can observe funding panels; support is available for disabled applicants. --- ## External Links - [Program page & full guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/predoctoral-research-bursary) - [Costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Salary guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/salary-guidance-grants) - [Disability and accessibility support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) - [Flexible research careers](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/additional-career-support/flexible-research-careers) - [Apply via Flexi-Grant](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system) --- ## Contact Information | Region / Enquiry Type | Contact Person | Email | |-----------------------|---------------|-------| | London (except Imperial and ICR), North East, Scotland, NI | Dr Catherine Cremona | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, South East & West | Dr Elisabetta Gamen | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | London (Imperial & ICR only), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General/Other Enquiries | Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | Funder General Contact | Cancer Research UK | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) / 020 7242 0200 | ---

Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

Sign in to see full grant listing