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

November 2026 | March 2027

Up to £50,000 for 12 months; supports short-term, cancer-relevant research by pathology trainees.

Funds early career pathology trainees for short-term cancer research projects to gain experience and preliminary data for future PhD or MD fellowships.

Only pathology trainees who are Pathological Society members are eligible.

--- ## Description This joint bursary scheme, offered by Cancer Research UK in partnership with the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland, provides short-term funding to early career pathology trainees for cancer-relevant research. Its primary aim is to help trainees gain research experience and generate preliminary data necessary for subsequent PhD or MD fellowship applications. Projects must clearly address a cancer-related question relevant to pathology and may span a broad range of research areas, including basic and translational science, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, population research, and early detection. The scheme encourages proposals aligned with Cancer Research UK’s strategic priorities, such as cancers of unmet need and early detection. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated): Application deadline for November Research Careers Committee review - March 2027 (anticipated): Application deadline for May Research Careers Committee review *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: **£50,000** for up to **12 months** of support. - Funds can be used for: - Applicant’s salary - Running expenses (e.g., consumables, reagents, imaging costs) - Research services (e.g., statistical support, lab technician services) - Cannot be used for: - Masters courses or examination fees - Research contributing towards a PhD or MD if you are already registered - Salary costs for applicants already registered for a PhD or MD --- ## Eligibility - **Applicants must be:** - Medical trainees in a pathology specialism (e.g., chemical pathology, histopathology, forensic histopathology, paediatric and perinatal pathology, diagnostic neuropathology) - Members of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland - Eligible to complete clinical training and practice medicine in the UK - **Additional criteria:** - Must not already be registered for or have completed a PhD or MD - Cannot hold a fellowship that already allows research - Host institution must be a UK university or research institute - Must have support from an appropriate research group and supervisor - Salary must not be funded through a Cancer Research UK institute - **Flexible working:** Part-time or flexible applications are allowed with host institution approval. --- ## Application Process 1. **Contact Cancer Research UK at least one month before the deadline** for a confidential discussion about your project and eligibility. Provide a short CV, a one-page research abstract, and a description of your fit for the scheme. 2. **Apply via Cancer Research UK’s Flexi-Grant system**, selecting the "Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Research Bursary" scheme. 3. **Prepare and submit:** - Structured research proposal (max 1,500 words) - Justification appendix for all costs - Cover letter (max 1 page; 2 pages if resubmitting) - Letters of support (from clinical and academic heads, supervisors) - Data sharing plan - Declaration of competing interests - AMRC Full Economic Costing information - Other required documentation as per application guidelines 4. **Review and feedback:** Applications are reviewed twice yearly by the Research Careers Committee. Applicants receive feedback, but decisions are final. --- ## Additional Information - **Scope:** Projects must be cancer-relevant and at the interface with pathology. Research areas may include basic biology, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, population research, and early detection. - **Not suitable for:** Projects focused primarily on future clinical trials, pharmaceutical research on a single compound, or infrastructure support. - **Success rate:** The 5-year rolling success rate for the overall pre-doctoral bursary scheme is approximately 55%. - **Reasonable adjustments:** Disability and accessibility support is available at all stages of the application process, and a formal diagnosis is not required. --- ## External Links - [Scheme details and how to apply](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) - [Research strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy) - [All funding opportunities](https://find.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-schemes) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Area | Name & Role | Email | |--------------|-------------|-------| | London (except Imperial/ICR), North East, Scotland, Northern Ireland | Dr Catherine Cremona, Research Grants Manager | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, South East & West | Dr Elisabetta Gamen, Research Grants Manager | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | London (Imperial & ICR), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith, Research Grants Manager | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General and programme queries | Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap, Research Programme Manager | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General CRUK support | Supporter Services | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) |

Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

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