Funder: Cancer Research UK
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (Full) | March 2027 (Outline) | September 2027 (Full) | October 2027 (Outline)
Funding Amounts: Typically up to £1.5 million over six years, or part-time equivalent (non-renewable)
Summary: Supports new group leaders establishing independent cancer research programmes at UK host institutions.
Key Information: Applicants must not already hold a fully funded salaried independent position or have held a substantial multi-year independent PI award.
Description
Cancer Research UK’s Career Development Fellowship helps new group leaders establish independent research groups addressing cancer-relevant questions. Its remit includes basic biology, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering and physical sciences, population research and early detection. Supported approaches include investigating tumour biology and therapeutic resistance, developing imaging technologies, computational modelling, and studying cancer risk, prevention, screening, behavioural interventions and policy.
The fellowship combines salary and research support with mentoring and leadership development. Proposals must clearly articulate their cancer-related question and how the work could change cancer understanding, prevention, diagnosis or treatment. Particular priorities include early detection and cancers of unmet need: brain, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver and stomach cancer. The Research Careers Committee also prioritises children’s and young people’s cancers.
