Cancer Research UK
Senior Cancer Research Fellowship
Outline application deadline; full application deadline 10 Sep 2026 for the preceding round (Dec 2025 outline)
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Cancer Research UK's Senior Cancer Research Fellowship funds independent group leaders to conduct cancer research at UK institutions for up to six years, with awards up to £1.75 million. The scheme is open to scientist group leaders (PhD or MD) leading their own independent teams in basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, population, and early detection research. Clinicians are no longer eligible from May 2026; host institutions must underwrite 50% of total salary costs.
Details
| Funder | Cancer Research UK |
| Budget | Up to £1.75m |
| Deadline | 1 October 2026 |
| Duration | 6 years (non-renewable), or part-time equivalent |
| Consortium | No |
| Application | 2-stage: outline application → full application + interview with Expert Review Panel |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
For established scientist group leaders (PhD/MD + extensive post-doctoral experience) based at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals or research institutes. Clinicians are no longer eligible from May 2026. Host institution must contribute 50% of total salary. Applicant must be sole PI leading an independent research group. Covers basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, EPS, population, and early detection cancer research.
Who Should Apply
- •Independent group leaders (PhD or MD) with established research programmes
- •Researcher-scientists based at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals, or research institutes
- •Scientists (not clinicians from May 2026 onwards) leading sole PI-controlled teams
- •Projects in basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, population science, or early detection cancer research
- •Applicants whose host institution can commit 50% salary co-funding
Key Dates
- •Outline application deadline: 1 October 2026
- •Full application deadline: 10 September 2026 (for December 2025 round)
- •Two-stage: outline submission followed by interview and full proposal for shortlisted candidates
- •Six-year non-renewable fellowship term
Tips for Applicants
- ✓The 50% salary co-funding requirement is non-negotiable, secure written institutional commitment before submitting; missing co-fund letters sink applications at triage.
- ✓Outline stage is competitive; use the space to articulate your group's independence from your PhD/postdoc mentors and your leadership track record clearly.
- ✓Cancer Research UK prioritises translational endpoints, even in basic research, signal how your findings could move toward patient benefit within six years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the Cancer Research UK Senior Cancer Research Fellowship award?
Up to £1.75 million over a six-year, non-renewable term.
Who is eligible for the Senior Cancer Research Fellowship?
Independent group leaders (PhD or MD) based at UK universities, medical schools, hospitals, or research institutes. Clinicians are no longer eligible from May 2026.
What research areas does the Senior Cancer Research Fellowship cover?
Basic, preclinical, imaging, radiotherapy, early detection, and population science cancer research.
What is the host institution cost-share requirement?
The host institution must contribute 50% of the total salary costs for the fellow.
When is the outline application deadline?
1 October 2026, with full applications due 10 September 2026 for the December 2025 round.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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