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

October 2, 2025 (Outline) | February 19, 2026 (Full) | March 26, 2026 (Outline)

Up to £1 million total over 5 years; covers salary, research costs, limited equipment, and support staff.

Supports early-career clinician scientists in the UK to establish independent cancer research careers with protected research time.

Requires UK GMC registration, postdoctoral experience, and hosting at a UK institution.

--- ## Description This fellowship provides up to five years of funding for clinician scientists in the UK who have completed a higher research degree and gained postdoctoral experience. It is designed to help fellows develop their own independent research niche in cancer, across a broad spectrum of research areas including basic biology, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, population research, and early detection. Fellows are expected to remain clinically active, with protected research time, and benefit from mentoring, training, and a supportive research environment. The scheme particularly encourages proposals aligned with Cancer Research UK’s strategic priorities, such as early detection, prevention, childhood and young people’s cancers, and cancers of unmet need. --- ## Due Dates - October 2, 2025: Outline application deadline - February 19, 2026: Full application deadline - March 26, 2026: Outline application deadline (upcoming) Applications are reviewed twice per year, with an outline and full application process. --- ## Funding Amount - Up to £1 million total funding per fellowship - Funding duration: 5 years (non-renewable) - Supports: - Fellow’s salary (including an annual supplement of £6,500) - Associated running costs - Research services and limited equipment (up to £25,000 total) - One research support post (e.g., technical support) - Conference attendance - Up to £1,000 for relocation costs (if justified) - Does not cover relocation costs for staff, courses/exam fees, or ineligible costs as per CRUK policy --- ## Eligibility - Clinicians with a higher research degree (MD/PhD) and postdoctoral experience - Must hold, or be eligible for, UK GMC registration - Must have a national training number (NTN/NTN(A)) with plans to obtain CCT by fellowship end, or already hold CCT/equivalent - Must not hold a permanent academic position supporting their salary - Hosted at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institute (not core-funded by CRUK) - Must remain clinically active during the fellowship - Must demonstrate readiness to develop research independence (see [Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/competency-framework)) - Applications from those with prior postdoctoral fellowships similar to this are generally not eligible (exceptions apply for NIHR Clinical Lectureships) - Flexible and part-time working arrangements are supported - Career breaks, part-time work, and changes in discipline are accommodated in assessment --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Check**: Submit a CV and eligibility enquiry form to [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) ideally at least one month before the deadline. 2. **Outline Application**: Submit via Flexi-Grant with a research proposal (max 1,500 words), supporting documents, and supervisor letters. 3. **Shortlisting**: Applications are reviewed by the Research Careers Committee; shortlisted applicants are invited to submit a full application. 4. **Full Application**: Includes a detailed research plan (max 2,500 words), justification appendix, letters of support (mentor, supervisors, heads of department), and costings. 5. **Interview**: Shortlisted full applications are interviewed by an Expert Review Panel. 6. **Decision**: Final decisions are made by the committee; feedback is provided to applicants. 7. **Start Date**: Award start dates must be at least two months after the relevant committee meeting. See [detailed application guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/clinician-scientist-fellowship) for full requirements. --- ## Additional Information - Success rate: 16% (5-year rolling average, 2020–2025) - Disability and accessibility support is available throughout the process ([details](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers)) - Career support, mentoring, and observer schemes for committee meetings are available - Parallel applications to other funders are permitted, but only one award can be accepted for the same project --- ## External Links - [Fellowship scheme details](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/clinician-scientist-fellowship) - [Eligibility enquiry form (DOCX)](https://assets.ctfassets.net/u7vsjnoopqo5/7kmHqLhPkwmXdQ8eDifXXD/c47ed184ffddf8cd55e1920657381572/rcc_eligibility_enquiry_form_2026.docx) - [Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/competency-framework) - [Costs guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [Justification appendix guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/justification-appendix) - [Disability & accessibility support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) - [Observer scheme for researchers](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/additional-career-support/observer-scheme) - [Research policies and guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance) --- ## Contact Information | Region/Topic | Contact | Email | |--------------|---------|-------| | London (except Imperial & ICR), North East, Scotland, Northern Ireland | Dr Catherine Cremona, Research Grants Manager | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, South East & West | Dr Elisabetta Gamen, Research Grants Manager | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | London (Imperial & ICR), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith, Research Grants Manager | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | General/fellowship support | Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap, Research Programme Manager | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | For accessibility or general funding queries: [grants.helpline@cancer.org.uk](mailto:grants.helpline@cancer.org.uk) ---

Clinician Scientist Fellowship

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