# Career Development Fellowship

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Up to £1.5m
**Deadline:** 1 October 2026 (Outline application deadline 1 Oct 2026; full application deadline Feb 2027; interview/committee review May 2027)
**Duration:** 6 years (or part-time equivalent)
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** 2-stage: outline application → full application + interview
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/career-development-fellowship
**Last updated:** 30 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For new group leaders without a salaried independent position, based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institute. Applicant must be sole lead PI. Covers cancer-relevant basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, EPS, population, and early detection research. At least 0.5 FTE on academic research required.

## Summary

Cancer Research UK's Career Development Fellowship funds new group leaders up to £1.5 million over six years (or part-time equivalent) to establish independent cancer research programmes at UK institutions. The fellowship is open to researchers without a salaried independent position across basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, early detection, and population science. The host institution must guarantee a full-time academic position for the award duration, and applicants must commit at least 0.5 FTE to research.

## Who should apply

- Researchers transitioning to independent group leadership without a current salaried independent position
- Applicants based at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutes
- Cancer-focused basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, early detection or population scientists
- Researchers able to commit at least 0.5 FTE to academic research during the award

## Key dates

- Outline application deadline: 1 October 2026
- Full application deadline and interviews: February 2027
- Six-year award duration (or part-time equivalent)

## Tips for applicants

- Host institution commitment is mandatory: secure a full-time academic position offer in writing before submitting your outline application.
- You must be sole PI; joint or co-PI arrangements are not eligible for this career development stage.
- The outline stage is competitive; demonstrate a clear, fundable research direction within the 5-10 page limit; save detailed methodology for the full application.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Cancer Research UK Career Development Fellowship pay?

Up to £1.5 million over six years (or part-time equivalent). The exact amount is negotiated based on the research proposal and institutional costs.

### Who is eligible for the Career Development Fellowship?

Researchers without a salaried independent position, based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institute, who can secure a full-time academic position from their host institution for the award duration.

### What research areas does the Career Development Fellowship cover?

Cancer-relevant basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, early detection, and population science, as well as engineering and physical sciences (EPS) applied to cancer research.

### Is the Career Development Fellowship a one-stage or two-stage application?

Two-stage: outline application (deadline 1 October 2026), followed by full application and interview (deadline February 2027) for shortlisted candidates.

### Can I apply as a co-PI or joint PI?

No, applicants must be the sole PI of the grant. This is an individual career development award for new group leaders.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-career-development-fellowship-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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