Cancer Research UK
Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship
Outline application deadline for July 2026 round; full application deadline Feb 2027
Last updated:
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.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £2.5M + host salary contribution |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| 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 |
| Career stage | Early-career opportunity |
| Eligible countries | GB |
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.
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.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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