# Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

**Funder:** Cancer Research UK
**Budget:** Up to £50k
**Deadline:** 24 September 2026 (November 2026 committee review deadline; joint scheme with the Pathological Society)
**Duration:** Up to 12 months
**Consortium:** No
**Application:** Single stage; reviewed twice per year by Research Careers Committee
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** GB
**Official call:** https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/for-researchers/apply-for-and-manage-your-funding/our-funding-schemes/predoctoral-research-bursary
**Last updated:** 30 Aug 2026

## Eligibility & scope

For medical trainees in a pathology specialism (e.g. histopathology, neuropathology) who are members of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Must be held at a UK university or research institute. Applicants must apply specifically to this scheme on the grants management system. Cancer-relevant research focus required.

## Summary

The Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Research Bursary funds trainee pathologists with up to £50,000 over 12 months to pursue a cancer research project while maintaining clinical training. Open to medical trainees in pathology specialisms (histopathology, neuropathology, etc.) who are members of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland and based at UK institutions. Applicants must not yet have registered for or completed a PhD or MD, making this ideal for clinical pathologists seeking protected research time early in their careers.

## Who should apply

- Medical trainees specialising in pathology (histopathology, neuropathology, etc.)
- Members of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland
- Applicants based at a UK university or research institute
- Researchers who have not yet registered for or completed a PhD or MD
- Candidates seeking protected time to pursue a cancer research project during clinical training

## Key dates

- Deadline: 24 September 2026 (committee review November 2026)
- Single-stage application
- Up to 12-month project duration

## Tips for applicants

- Pathological Society membership is mandatory; confirm your membership status before applying.
- Frame your project as complementary to, not in competition with, your clinical training; reviewers favour candidates integrating research into active pathology practice.
- Link your research explicitly to cancer aetiology or patient outcomes; Cancer Research UK prioritises translational relevance even in basic-science proposals.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does the Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Bursary pay?

Up to £50,000 over a 12-month project period.

### Who is eligible for the Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Bursary?

Medical trainees in pathology specialisms who are members of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland and based at UK universities or research institutes; you must not have registered for or completed a PhD or MD.

### Can I apply if I am not a member of the Pathological Society?

No, membership of the Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland is mandatory for this joint scheme.

### When is the deadline for the Cancer Research UK-Pathological Society Pre-doctoral Bursary?

The deadline is 24 September 2026, with committee review in November 2026.

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

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