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

March 5, 2026 (Full application for May 2026 committee review)

Up to £25,000 for up to 12 months (standard bursary) | Up to £50,000 for pathology trainees

Short-term funding for early-career clinicians and health professionals to gain research experience in cancer and generate preliminary data.

Must be held at a UK university or research institute; not for those already registered for/holding a PhD or MD.

--- ## Description This scheme provides short-term bursaries to clinicians and health professionals at an early stage of their careers, enabling them to participate in cancer research projects, build research skills, and generate preliminary data. The bursary supports a wide range of cancer-relevant research areas, including basic and translational research, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering and physical sciences, population research, and early detection. The goal is to foster the development of future clinical academic researchers in cancer and to help applicants prepare for more advanced fellowships. Flexible and part-time working arrangements are supported. --- ## Due Dates - March 5, 2026: Full application submission deadline for the May 2026 committee review Applications are reviewed twice per year (typically March and November). --- ## Funding Amount - Standard bursary: Up to £25,000 for up to 12 months - For pathology trainees (Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Research Bursary): Up to £50,000 for up to 12 months Funds may be used for running expenses, research services, and salary support for the applicant. --- ## Eligibility **Applicants must:** - Be early-career clinicians (in training), nurses, or allied health professionals (e.g., physiotherapists, radiographers, medical physicists, pharmacists) - Be eligible to complete clinical training and practice medicine in the UK - Not already be registered for or have completed a PhD or MD, or hold a fellowship that allows research - Hold the award at a UK university or research institute, with support from an appropriate research group and supervisor **Additional notes:** - Academic Clinical Fellows may request consumables only - Pathology trainees who are members of the Pathological Society can apply for up to £50,000 - Applicants funded through Cancer Research UK institutes for their salary are not eligible --- ## Application Process 1. **Contact Cancer Research UK**: Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their eligibility and proposal with the funder at least one month before the deadline. 2. **Prepare application materials**, including: - Short CV with research outputs and funding history - One-page abstract of the proposed research - Cover letter (one page; up to two pages if resubmitting) - Research proposal (max 1,500 words, structured as outlined in the scheme guidance) - Justification appendix - Data sharing plan - Letters of support from supervisors and relevant heads of department - Declaration of competing interests and other required documents 3. **Submit via the Flexi-Grant system**: All applications are managed online. 4. **Review process**: Applications are assessed by the Research Careers Committee based on scientific rationale, cancer relevance, applicant potential, and access to resources. Feedback is provided, but decisions are final. --- ## Additional Information - Flexible and part-time working arrangements are supported if approved by the host institution. - Reasonable adjustments and accessibility support are available for applicants with disabilities or long-term health conditions. - Applicants may apply for the same project to multiple funders but may only accept one award. - Proposals must be cancer-relevant and align with the scheme’s research areas; certain types of projects (e.g., focused solely on clinical trial development or standard pharmaceutical development) are not eligible. - Applicants should inform their host institution before applying, as institutional approval is required. --- ## External Links - [Scheme Details and Application Portal](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/pre-doctoral-research-bursary) - [Full Research Strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/our-research-strategy) - [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) - [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/Enquiry Area | Contact Person | Email | |---------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | London (except Imperial & ICR), North East, Scotland, N. Ireland | Dr Catherine Cremona | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, South East & West | Dr Elisabetta Gamen | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | London (Imperial & ICR only), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General/fellowships/career support | Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap | [research.careers@cancer.org.uk](mailto:research.careers@cancer.org.uk) | | General grants helpline | - | [grants.helpline@cancer.org.uk](mailto:grants.helpline@cancer.org.uk) | | Main website contact | - | [Contact form](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us) | ---

Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

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