# Career Establishment Award

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Typically up to £1m
**Deadline:** 10 September 2026 (Full application deadline; reviewed twice per year)
**Duration:** 6 years, or part-time equivalent
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/career-establishment-award
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports new group leaders who have a salaried independent position to establish their independent research group. Eligibility changed: no longer accepting new outline applications from clinicians following May 2026 committee review.

## Summary

Cancer Research UK's Career Establishment Award funds new group leaders with a salaried independent position to establish their research groups over six years with up to £1 million. The award targets early-career researchers in the UK working on any area of cancer research and is reviewed twice annually. As of May 2026, the scheme no longer accepts outline applications from clinicians; fundamental and translational researchers may continue to apply.

## Who should apply

- Researchers holding a newly established salaried independent research position at a UK institution
- Early-career group leaders in cancer research (any discipline)
- Fundamental or translational cancer researchers (clinical researchers no longer eligible as of May 2026)
- Projects spanning six years or flexible part-time equivalent timelines

## Key dates

- Full application deadline 10 September 2026; reviewed twice per year
- Six-year project duration (or part-time equivalent)
- Annual call cycle

## Tips for applicants

- Clinician applications are no longer accepted following the May 2026 eligibility change, verify your disciplinary fit before starting the application.
- Emphasise the independence of your research direction from your postdoctoral host lab; reviewers screen for genuine group establishment.
- The award supports building a new group, so include team-building and capacity plans alongside the science.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Cancer Research UK Career Establishment Award pay?

Up to £1 million over six years (or part-time equivalent).

### Who is eligible for the Career Establishment Award?

Early-career researchers with a newly established salaried independent position at a UK institution working on cancer research; clinicians are no longer eligible as of May 2026.

### How often is the Career Establishment Award reviewed?

The scheme reviews applications twice per year, though the next full deadline is 10 September 2026.

### Can I apply part-time to the Career Establishment Award?

Yes, the award can be structured as a full six-year project or as a flexible part-time equivalent.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-career-establishment-award-2026-09) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.

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