# Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship **Funder:** Cancer Research UK **Budget:** Up to £2.5M + host salary contribution **Deadline:** 1 October 2026 (Outline application deadline for July 2026 round; full application deadline Feb 2027) **Duration:** 7 years (years 5–7 subject to satisfactory progress at year 4) **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/clinical-future-leaders-fellowship **Last updated:** 30 Aug 2026 ## Eligibility & scope For clinician scientists (GMC-registered, CCT-holder, MD/PhD) transitioning to research independence in cancer. Must be based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institution. Sole lead applicant (PI) required; host institution must commit to tapered salary co-funding (50% total over 7 years) and a route to a tenured position. Covers basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, EPS, population and early detection cancer research. ## Summary Cancer Research UK's Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship funds clinician scientists transitioning to research independence in cancer, awarding up to £2.5m over seven years plus host institution salary co-funding. The call targets GMC-registered or CCT-holding clinicians with an MD or PhD at UK academic, hospital, or research institutions who commit to 20-40% clinical activity alongside research leadership. The programme is annual with a two-stage process; host institutions must guarantee salary support and a route to tenure. ## Who should apply - Clinician scientists holding GMC registration, CCT or MD/PhD - Early-career researchers at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or recognised research institutes - Applicants planning 20-40% protected clinical activity during the fellowship - Clinicians without prior substantial multi-year independent fellowships or fully-funded salaried positions - Hosts prepared to commit salary co-funding and offer a pathway to tenure ## Key dates - Outline application deadline 1 October 2026; full application deadline February 2027 - Two-stage process: outline application followed by invited full application and interview - Seven-year fellowship duration ## Tips for applicants - Host institution tenure commitment is gating: verify your institution's willingness to support a tapered salary bridge and career progression before investing application effort. - The clinical balance matters, Cancer Research UK expects 20-40% clinical activity; frame how you will protect research time within this envelope, not sideline it. - Solo PI rule means no co-investigators can hold equivalent independent roles; the panel screens for genuine leadership, not borrowed credibility. ## Frequently asked questions ### How much does the Cancer Research UK Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship pay? Up to £2.5 million over seven years, plus a host institution salary contribution. ### Who is eligible for the Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship? GMC-registered or CCT-holding clinicians with MD or PhD based at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institute, transitioning to independent cancer research without prior substantial independent fellowships. ### Can I hold a salaried research position while applying? No; applicants must not hold a fully-funded salaried position or prior substantial multi-year independent fellowship. ### Is clinical work required during the fellowship? Yes, 20-40% clinical activity is expected alongside research leadership. ### How often is the Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship open? The call is annual, with an outline deadline in October and a full application deadline in February. --- Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/cancer-research-uk-clinical-future-leaders-fellowship-2026-10) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying. **See which EU calls match your profile.** [Preview your matches in 30 seconds, no signup](https://grantsby.eu/demo?ref=llm_grant_md).