Cancer Research UK
Career Establishment Award
Outline application deadline; full application deadline Feb 2027, interview/committee review May 2027
Last updated:
Cancer Research UK's Career Establishment Award funds up to £1 million over six years for researchers establishing independent cancer research groups in the UK. Eligible applicants are early-career scientists within the first few years of leading their own group, based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution on a fully-funded salary. The call covers cancer-relevant basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, physical sciences, population, and early-detection research, and runs biannually.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £1m |
| 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 (scientists, not clinicians) with a salaried independent position at a UK university, medical school, hospital or research institution. Applicant must be sole PI. Covers cancer-relevant basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, EPS, population, and early detection research. Equipment costs capped at £25k; relocation up to £1k.
Who Should Apply
- •New independent group leaders (scientists) within the early-career stage
- •Researchers based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or recognised research institution
- •Applicants on a fully-funded salary who are sole PI
- •Cancer-relevant projects in basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, physical sciences, population, or early-detection research
- •Researchers not eligible for clinician-track awards from May 2026 onwards
Key Dates
- •Outline application deadline 1 October 2026
- •Full application deadline February 2027; interviews and committee review May 2027
- •Six-year project duration (or part-time equivalent)
- •Biannual call cycle
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The outline stage is selective; focus on clarity and feasibility over ambition in the short format, then expand the research scope in the full application.
- ✓Equipment costs are capped at £25,000; plan justified core equipment in the outline and leave non-essential instrumentation for future grants.
- ✓Ensure your salary is documented as fully-funded before submission, applications from researchers without confirmed funding will be desk-rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Career Establishment Award and how long does it last?
Up to £1 million over six years (or part-time equivalent).
Who is eligible for the Career Establishment Award?
New independent group leaders (scientists, not clinicians from May 2026 onwards) based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution with a fully-funded salary, applying as sole PI.
What types of cancer research does the Career Establishment Award fund?
Cancer-relevant basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering, physical sciences, population, and early-detection research.
Is there a cap on equipment costs?
Yes, equipment costs are limited to £25,000; relocation costs are capped at £1,000.
How many stages does the application have?
Two stages: outline application (deadline 1 October 2026), then full application and interview (deadline February 2027, interviews May 2027).
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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