Cancer Research UK
Career Development Fellowship
Outline application deadline 1 Oct 2026; full application deadline Feb 2027; interview/committee review May 2027
Last updated:
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.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £1.5m |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Duration | 6 years (or part-time equivalent) |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: outline application → full application + interview |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | GB |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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