# Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Typically up to £2.5m (plus host organisation salary contribution)
**Deadline:** 10 September 2026 (Full application deadline; reviewed twice per year)
**Duration:** 7 years (years 5–7 subject to satisfactory progress at year 4)
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/clinical-future-leaders-fellowship
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Supports clinician scientists to transition to research independence and leadership in cancer research. Restricted to clinician scientists; host organisation must contribute towards the fellow's salary.

## Summary

The Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship supports clinician scientists in the UK to transition to research independence, with funding up to £2.5 million over seven years plus a salary contribution from the host organisation. Restricted to clinician scientists, the fellowship emphasises leadership development in cancer research, with years 5-7 subject to satisfactory progress at year 4. Cancer Research UK reviews applications twice annually.

## Who should apply

- Clinician scientists (medical or dental qualification plus research training)
- Researchers based at UK host institutions
- Applicants ready to transition from mentored postdoctoral or clinical research roles to research leadership
- Cancer research focused projects

## Key dates

- Full application deadline: 10 September 2026
- Applications reviewed twice per year
- Seven-year fellowship duration (years 5-7 contingent on year 4 progress review)

## Tips for applicants

- Host institution salary contribution is mandatory, secure this commitment in writing before submitting.
- The year 4 review gate is real; build detailed milestones and contingency plans into your research design.
- Emphasise the clinical relevance and translation pathway; CRUK panels favour projects with clear patient benefit or clinical application.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship award?

Up to £2.5 million over seven years, plus a salary contribution from the host organisation.

### Who is eligible for the Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship?

Clinician scientists (holding a medical or dental qualification plus research training) based at a UK host institution.

### How long is the Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship?

Seven years; however, years 5-7 are conditional on satisfactory progress at the year 4 review.

### How often does Cancer Research UK review Clinical Future Leaders applications?

Applications are reviewed twice per year, with the next full application deadline on 10 September 2026.

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

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