Senior Cancer Research Fellowship

Senior Cancer Research Fellowship

Supports established United Kingdom cancer scientists with senior fellowships for sustained innovation leadership.

Cancer Research UK's Senior Cancer Research Fellowship supports established research group leaders at UK institutions in further developing their independent cancer research programmes and building international scientific reputations. Awards of up to £1.75m over six years cover the fellow's salary (or part thereof), team costs including postdoctoral researchers, technicians, and PhD students, running costs, and equipment. The scheme sits at the apex of the CRUK fellowship career ladder, above the Career Development Fellowship (£1.5m over six years, for new group leaders without a salaried independent position) and the Career Establishment Award (£1m over six years, for new group leaders who hold a salaried independent post). Part-time and flexible working arrangements are explicitly permitted.

From May 2026, the scheme is open to scientists only: CRUK no longer accepts new outline applications from clinicians under this scheme, who are instead directed to the Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship (up to £2.5m plus host salary contribution over seven years). Eligible scientist applicants must hold a PhD or MD, demonstrate extensive post-doctoral experience, meet CRUK's Transition to Scientific Leadership competency framework, and have access to space and facilities to run an independent research group at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution. The scheme is reviewed twice per year; the upcoming full application deadline is 10 September 2026, preceded by an eligibility enquiry form and CV submission that must be completed before the outline stage.

This is a closed scheme: prospective applicants must submit an eligibility enquiry form and CV to fellowships@cancer.org.uk before preparing an outline application. The review process involves an Expert Review Panel interview followed by a decision by the Research Careers Committee. Proposals are expected to articulate a distinctive five-to-ten-year scientific vision, demonstrate a track record of independent research leadership, and show how the award will enable the applicant to reach world-leader status in their cancer research area.