Cancer Research UK logo
Cancer Research UK

Career Development Fellowship

Funds up to £1.5m over 6 years for a new group leader without a salaried independent position.

OpenCancer Research UKUnited Kingdom

Cancer Research UK reviews this fellowship in two stages: an outline application goes to the Research Careers Committee, which shortlists before inviting shortlisted scientists to submit a full application and attend an interview with an Expert Review Panel; the committee then makes the funding decision, weighing the panel's recommendation against relevance to CRUK's research strategy. The five-ye

Eligible research spans basic cancer biology, preclinical studies, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering and physical sciences applied to cancer, and population and early-detection research, as long as the proposal is cancer-relevant and states the cancer question being addressed. Proposals focused on developing future trials, on optimising a single lead compound through a standard drug-development pathway, or on infrastructure support for a clinical trials unit fall outside the scheme.

CycleiHow often this grant runs - e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.1 Oct 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.72 months
Award typeiThe form of funding - grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.-
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.-

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Guides for this application

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