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

November 30, 2025 (final round)

Up to £35,000 for up to 2 years; covers research costs, not salary.

Supports clinical trainees in cancer research with short-term, flexible funding to advance early-career academic medicine.

Final application round—scheme closes after November 2025 review; future support will shift to new Clinical Academic Training Programmes.

--- ## Description This bursary provides short-term funding for clinical trainees who have completed a PhD (or MD) to undertake a cancer-relevant research project in the UK. It aims to support early-career clinical academics in developing their research careers in academic medicine, helping recipients secure future fellowships or permanent posts. The scheme welcomes research in basic and translational science, including areas of unmet need (e.g., brain, lung, pancreatic cancers), early detection, and other strategic priorities. The bursary is flexible, allowing part-time or adaptable working arrangements. --- ## Due Dates - November 30, 2025: Full application deadline for the November 2025 Research Careers Committee review (final round; scheme will close after this cycle). *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: £35,000 - Duration: Up to 2 years - Funding covers research costs (e.g., running expenses, research services, technician support, travel) but does **not** cover the applicant's salary or course/exam fees. - Essential equipment may be included if justified, but must not exceed the total funding cap. --- ## Eligibility Applicants must: - Be clinical trainees eligible to practice medicine in the UK. - Hold a National Training Number (NTN/NTN(A)), typically ST3 or above with at least 12 months of clinical training remaining. - Have completed (or submitted) a higher degree (PhD or MD) in a cancer-relevant area. - Not have previously held a substantive personal postdoctoral fellowship (except clinical lectureships). - Not currently hold a permanent academic position or have salary support from a Cancer Research UK Institute. - Hold the award at a UK university or research institute with strong supervisory support. - Applications from those with prior equivalent bursary or grant support are not eligible. Flexible and part-time working is supported if approved by the host institution. --- ## Application Process 1. **Pre-application Discussion:** Contact Cancer Research UK (research.careers@cancer.org.uk) at least one month before the deadline for eligibility and proposal advice. 2. **Institutional Approval:** Inform your host institution of your intent to apply. 3. **Materials Required:** - Short CV (including research outputs, funding history) - One-page research abstract - Statement of suitability and career goals 4. **Full Application:** Submit through the [Flexi-Grant online system](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-grants-management-system). 5. **Supporting Documents:** - Justification appendix (costs, statistical plan, etc.) - Cover letter (motivation, achievements, career plans) - Declaration of competing interests - Letters of support (from supervisors, clinical and academic heads) - Data sharing plan (FAIR principles) - Detailed research proposal (max 1,500 words, plus milestones, references) 6. **Review:** Applications are assessed by the Research Careers Committee based on scientific quality, cancer relevance, applicant potential, and resource access. 7. **Feedback:** Provided after review; committee decisions are final. --- ## Additional Information - This is the final round for this bursary. From April 2026, early postdoctoral support will be consolidated under new Clinical Academic Training Programmes. - Reasonable adjustments for disability/accessibility are available throughout the process ([details here](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers)). - Part-time or flexible arrangements are welcomed; discuss specifics with the funder and host institution. - Applicants must declare use of generative AI tools in their application and comply with relevant policies ([AI policy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/generative-ai-policy-for-funding-applications)). --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details & Application Instructions](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/postdoctoral-research-bursary-for-clinical-trainees) - [All Cancer Research UK Funding Schemes](https://find.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-schemes) - [Research Policies & Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance) - [Flexible Research Careers Support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/additional-career-support/flexible-research-careers) - [Disability & Accessibility Support](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/disability-accessibility-support-researchers) --- ## Contact Information | Region/Topic | Contact Person | Email | |--------------|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | London (except Imperial/ICR), NE, Scotland, NI | Dr Catherine Cremona, Research Grants Manager | research.careers@cancer.org.uk | | Cambridge, Oxford, SE & SW | Dr Elisabetta Gamen, Research Grants Manager | research.careers@cancer.org.uk | | London (Imperial/ICR), Midlands, NW, Wales| Dr Fran Smith, Research Grants Manager | research.careers@cancer.org.uk | | General/Other Enquiries | Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap, Programme Manager | research.careers@cancer.org.uk | | Funder Support | Cancer Research UK Supporter Services | supporter.services@cancer.org.uk | For policy or eligibility questions, contact the relevant Research Grants Manager or email [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk).

Postdoctoral Research Bursary

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