Pre-doctoral Research Bursary
Cancer Research UK's Pre-doctoral Research Bursary funds early-career clinicians and health professionals to gain hands-on experience in diverse cancer research projects, supporting skill development and preliminary data collection.
Funder: Cancer Research UK
Due Dates: March 5, 2026 (May 2026 committee review) | September 24, 2026 (November 2026 committee review / Upcoming deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to £25,000 for up to 12 months (standard bursary); up to £50,000 for 12 months for Pathological Society members.
Summary: Short-term funding for clinicians and health professionals to gain early research experience in cancer, supporting a broad range of cancer-relevant projects.
Key Information: Applications are reviewed twice per year; Pathological Society pathology trainees may apply for higher funding.
Description
The Pre-doctoral Research Bursary offers short-term funding to clinicians and health professionals at the early stages of their careers, enabling them to participate in cancer research projects. The scheme is designed to help applicants gain hands-on experience and develop research skills, with the aim of generating preliminary data before applying for PhD or MD fellowships. Projects may span a wide range of cancer research areas—including basic science, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, population research, and early detection—with particular interest in cancers of unmet need and strategic priority areas. Flexible working arrangements and applications from diverse professional backgrounds are encouraged.
