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

October 2, 2025 (Outline application)

Up to £1.75 million over 6 years; covers salary (50%), team salaries, running costs, equipment, and relocation

Supports established researchers to advance independent cancer research and leadership, with training and career development support.

No post-PhD time limits; part-time and career breaks considered; excludes interventional clinical trials and drug discovery.

--- ## Description This fellowship is designed for established, independent researchers aiming to further develop their cancer research programme and build an international reputation as a scientific leader. The scheme covers all areas of cancer research—population, prevention, early detection/diagnosis, and cancer biology—except for interventional clinical trials and drug discovery. Fellows receive substantial funding for their research group, access to training and networking, and support for career progression. The fellowship also provides an accelerated route through the UK Tier 1 visa system for eligible international applicants. --- ## Due Dates - Outline application: October 2, 2025 - Committee shortlisting: December 2025 - Full application deadline: Expected February 2026 (TBC) - Interview and committee review: May 2026 Applications are considered twice a year. For future rounds and exact full application deadlines, refer to the [scheme page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/senior-cancer-research-fellowship). --- ## Funding Amount - **Typical award:** Up to £1.75 million over 6 years (or part-time equivalent) - **What’s covered:** - 50% of the Fellow's salary (can be tapered) - Salaries for two postdoctoral researchers, a technician, and a PhD student - Associated running expenses - Equipment costs up to £50,000 - Relocation costs up to £1,000 (if moving to a new host institution) - Salary supplement for the Fellow up to £10,500/year (pro-rata; not for clinicians post-CCT) Part-time working is supported (minimum 0.5 FTE or 80% of working hours on research). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be established independent researchers with: - PhD or MD and extensive postdoctoral research experience - Space and facilities to run an independent research group - Evidence of transition to scientific leadership as per the [Fellowships Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-career-development-opportunities/competency-framework-for-fellowships) - **Not eligible if:** - You hold a core-funded Group Leader position at a CRUK Institute (unless not concurrently funded) - Your research is an interventional clinical study/trial or drug discovery - **Other considerations:** - Career breaks, flexible working, changes in discipline, and other personal circumstances are taken into account - No artificial post-PhD time limits—assessment is based on achievements and potential - **Host institution:** Some locations may not be eligible. Confirm with CRUK before applying. --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Enquiry (optional but recommended):** - Submit a CV and [Eligibility Enquiry Form](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/rcc_eligibility_enquiry_form.docx) to [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) at least 1 month (no later than 2 weeks) before the deadline. 2. **Outline Application:** - Submit via [Flexi-Grant system](https://cancerresearchuk.flexigrant.com/) - Reviewed by the Research Careers Committee 3. **Full Application (if shortlisted):** - Submit via Flexi-Grant - Requires host institution approval - Reviewed by Expert Review Panels (ERPs) and includes an interview 4. **Decision:** - Final decision by the Research Careers Committee **Key review criteria:** scientific quality, cancer relevance, applicant track record, research environment, and alignment with CRUK strategic priorities (e.g., early detection, harder-to-treat cancers). - Applicants are generally limited to two submissions at the same career stage. **Success rate:** 36.4% (2020–2025 rolling average) --- ## Additional Information - The fellowship provides access to: - Training and career development support - Networking opportunities - Flexible working policies - Accelerated UK visa route - Disability and accessibility support available - From 2026, applicants must demonstrate environmental sustainability (green lab certification) - Refer to [grant conditions](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/conditions-of-your-grant) for detailed terms --- ## External Links - [Scheme details and application](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/our-funding-schemes/senior-cancer-research-fellowship) - [Fellowships Competency Framework](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-career-development-opportunities/competency-framework-for-fellowships) - [Outline Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/rcc_scarf_outline_application_guidelines_autumn_2025.pdf) - [Full Application Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/rcc_-_scarf_full_application_guidelines_autumn_2024_final.pdf) - [Flexible Research Careers Policies](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/policies-that-affect-your-grant/flexible-research-careers-funding-policies) - [Research Strategy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/research-strategy-1) - [Environmental Sustainability Policy](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/policies-that-affect-your-grant/environmental-sustainability-in-research) - [CRUK Grant Conditions](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/funding-for-researchers/applying-for-funding/conditions-of-your-grant) --- ## Contact Information | Region / Topic | Contact Name | Email | |--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------| | London (except Imperial and ICR), North East, Scotland, Northern Ireland | Dr Catherine Cremona | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | Cambridge, Oxford, South East and West | Dr Elisabetta Gamen | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | London (Imperial & ICR), Midlands, North West, Wales | Dr Fran Smith | [fellowships@cancer.org.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.org.uk) | | General research careers programme support | Programme Managers | [fellowships@cancer.ok.uk](mailto:fellowships@cancer.ok.uk) | For further assistance, visit the [CRUK contact page](https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-us/contact-us).

Senior Cancer Research Fellowship

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