Cancer Research UK
Career Establishment Award
Full application deadline; reviewed twice per year
Last verified:
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.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Typically up to £1m |
| Deadline | 10 September 2026 |
| Duration | 6 years, or part-time equivalent |
| Consortium | No |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | GB |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
More from Cancer Research UK
Early Detection and Diagnosis Programme Award
Deadline: 21 Jul 2026Up to £2.5mCareer Development Fellowship
Deadline: 10 Sept 2026Typically up to £1.5mSenior Cancer Research Fellowship
Deadline: 10 Sept 2026Typically up to £1.75mClinical Future Leaders Fellowship
Deadline: 10 Sept 2026Typically up to £2.5m (plus host organisation salary contribution)Clinician Scientist Fellowship
Deadline: 10 Sept 2026Typically up to £1m
Browse Related
Could Career Establishment Award be right for you?
See your personalised match score for this grant and others in 30 seconds. No signup needed to preview.
See my matches free →