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Cancer Research UK

Pre-doctoral Research Bursary

Pays up to £25k for clinicians to get short-term cancer research experience.

OpenCancer Research UKUnited Kingdom

Applications are reviewed twice a year by the Research Careers Committee, which weighs how strong the underlying science is, how directly it relates to cancer, the applicant's track record and future potential, and whether they have access to the facilities and resources the work needs; the five-year rolling success rate from application to funding sits at 55%. The research proposal itself is capp

This bursary is for clinicians in training, nurses, and allied health professionals (such as physiotherapists, radiographers, medical physicists or pharmacists) who want hands-on cancer research experience before applying for a PhD or MD fellowship. It's not for anyone who has already registered for or completed a PhD/MD, or who already holds a research fellowship.

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.24 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.-
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.-
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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