Jul 18, 2025, 07:48

CRUK Career Establishment Award

The CRUK Career Establishment Award supports newly appointed group leaders in the UK to build and run their own independent cancer research teams over six years (or part‐time equivalent), providing salaries and resources for up to two posts plus equipment and training.

Eligibility Criteria:

Position & Host:

– Hold a full-time, fully funded independent research post at a UK university or research institute for the award duration.

– Have dedicated space and facilities to run your own group.
Career Stage & Competency:

– Demonstrate “establishing independence” per CRUK’s Fellowships Competency Framework.

– Clinicians must have completed specialist training (including PhD/MD) and have postdoctoral research experience.
Exclusions:

– Already received CRUK fellowship funding to set up a group.

– Core-funded Group Leader at a CRUK Institute.

– Certain host institutions not in remit—contact CRUK before applying.
Considerations:

– Career breaks, part-time working, discipline changes, and other personal circumstances will be taken into account.

Funding Details:

Duration: 6 years (part-time equivalent accepted; minimum 15 h/week on research)
Quantum: Typically up to £1 million total, covering:

• Salaries and running expenses for up to two posts (postdoc, technician and/or non-clinical PhD student)

• Associated consumables and services

• Equipment up to £25 000

• Relocation up to £1 000 (if moving institution)

• EMBO Lab Leadership course attendance (costs funded or reimbursed per EMBO rates)
Additional Support: Access to CRUK networking, training, flexible working policies, and fast-track Tier 1 visa support.

Key Dates:

Outline Submission: 2 October 2025
Committee Review (Shortlisting): December 2025
Full Submission (invited): TBC February 2026
Final Committee Decision: May 2026

How to Apply & Further Information:

Eligibility Enquiry (optional): Submit CV + Eligibility Enquiry Form at least 2 weeks before deadline via CRUK Office.
Outline & Full Applications:
1. Outline via Flexi-Grant—shortlisted applicants invited to full stage (may defer one round).
2. Full via Flexi-Grant, institutional approval required; Expert Review Panel interview follows.
- Contacts: [email protected] for scheme queries and support.