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

Closed (final deadline November 2025; no new applications accepted)

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

Supports clinical trainees post-PhD to undertake short-term, cancer-focused research and develop independent academic careers.

This bursary is now closed; future support will be through Clinical Academic Training Programmes from April 2026.

--- ## Description This bursary was designed to provide clinical trainees who have completed a PhD or MD with short-term funding (up to two years) for cancer-relevant research projects. Its aim was to support early career clinician-scientists in developing independent research profiles, facilitating their transition to further fellowships or permanent academic posts. The scheme welcomed a broad array of research areas, including basic, translational, engineering, physical sciences, population, early detection, imaging, and radiotherapy, with particular encouragement for proposals addressing cancers of unmet need and CRUK’s strategic priorities. The scheme emphasized flexibility, allowing for part-time work, career breaks, and research collaborations within the UK or internationally. However, the bursary is now closed to new applications, with future support for early postdoctoral clinical academics to be provided through CRUK's Clinical Academic Training Programmes. --- ## Due Dates - Final application deadline: November 2025 (now closed; no new applications accepted) - The bursary will not reopen; future opportunities will be via the Clinical Academic Training Programmes from April 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: £35,000 - Duration: Up to 2 years - Covers: Research running expenses, research services (e.g., statistical or technical support), travel related to the project or collaborations, and—if fully justified—a proportion of a technician or research assistant’s salary (not the applicant’s own salary). - Does not cover: Applicant's salary, course/examination fees, or substantial equipment purchases (only essential, fully justified items are considered). --- ## Eligibility ### Applicant Requirements - Clinical trainee eligible to practice medicine in the UK. - Must hold a National Training Number (NTN or NTN(A)), typically at ST3 or above with more than 12 months of clinical training remaining. - Must have completed (or submitted) a higher degree (MD/PhD) in a cancer-relevant field. - Not eligible if you have previously held a substantive personal postdoctoral fellowship (except clinical lectureships), currently hold equivalent funding, or have a permanent academic position with salary support. ### Host Institution - Must be a UK university or research institute. - Requires support from an appropriate research group and supervisor. - Not eligible if your salary is funded through a CRUK Institute. ### Project Scope - Research must be cancer-relevant. - Proposals spanning basic, translational, engineering, physical sciences, population, early detection, imaging, and radiotherapy are eligible. - Collaborative periods in UK or international groups are permitted if well justified and not at a previous institution. ### Flexible Working - Part-time and flexible arrangements are supported, subject to host institution approval. --- ## Application Process **Note: This scheme is now closed. Information below is for reference only.** - Applications were managed via the CRUK Flexi-Grant system. - Required documents included: CV, research abstract, cover letter, justification appendix, declaration of competing interests, letters of support, data sharing plan, and AMRC full economic costing. - Strong emphasis on clear scientific justification for all costs. - Letters of support required from main and secondary supervisors, clinical and academic heads of department. - Applications were reviewed twice yearly by the Research Careers Committee, with feedback provided post-review. --- ## Additional Information - The scheme did not fund applicant salaries, course/exam fees, or substantial equipment unless essential and justified. - Applicants could submit to multiple funders but could only accept one award. - Proposals focusing on future trial development, single-compound pharmaceutical research, or infrastructure support were not eligible. - Reasonable adjustments and support for applicants with disabilities or health conditions were available. --- ## External Links - [CRUK Postdoctoral Research Bursary Scheme Overview](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/postdoctoral-research-bursary) - [CRUK Clinical Academic Training Programmes (future support)](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/develop-your-research-career/opportunities-for-clinical-academics) - [CRUK Research Policies and Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance) - [CRUK Costs Guidance](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/research-policies-and-guidance/costs-guidance-grants) - [CRUK 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) --- ## Contact Information | Region / Topic | Contact | 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 only), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith, Research Grants Manager | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General/fellowship support | Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap, Research Programme Manager | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General support | CRUK Supporter Services | [supporter.services@cancer.org.uk](mailto:supporter.services@cancer.org.uk) | | CRUK Phone | | 020 7242 0200 | For further information or informal eligibility discussions, contact the relevant Research Grants Manager or [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk).

Postdoctoral Research Bursary

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