The Cancer Research UK Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship is a prestigious long-term award for clinician-scientists poised to become future leaders in oncology. It provides up to £2.5 million over 7 years to exceptional doctors (MD/PhD) transitioning to full research independence. This fellowship gives talented physician-researchers the time, funding, and protected research focus (minimum ~60–80% effort) needed to establish their own laboratories and make transformative advances in cancer. Fellows conduct an ambitious program of cancer research – often bridging lab and clinic – while continuing limited clinical duties to inform their science. With a mid-fellowship review at year 4, the program ensures accountability and continued support for the most promising projects.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to clinician-scientists who are eligible to practice medicine in the UK (GMC-registered) and have completed specialist training (obtained Certificate of Completion of Training and will be at consultant/attending level by fellowship start in late 2026).
- Must hold an MD/PhD (or equivalent) and have undergone significant postdoctoral research training with notable contributions in their field. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of impactful cancer research and clear potential for independence.
- Applicant must secure a faculty-level position at a UK institution for the fellowship’s duration. Host institutions in the UK (universities, cancer centers, hospitals) must commit to supporting the fellow’s career (e.g. lab space, a start-up package, and ~60–80% protected research time).
- Applicants should not already hold a long-term fully funded senior fellowship or a tenured faculty post. This award targets those in the transition to first group leader position, typically within a few years of obtaining a consultant post or junior faculty appointment.
Funding Details:
- Award amount: Typically up to £2.5 million (approximately $3.1M USD) provided over 7 years. Funding covers the fellow’s salary (partially co-funded by the host institution) plus research expenses (staff, consumables, equipment). The host organization is expected to contribute to the fellow’s salary costs over the fellowship term.
- Duration: 7 years total. The initial 4 years are funded, followed by a progress review in year 4 to unlock years 5–7 of support. This ensures fellows remain on track to leadership.
- Fellows are expected to devote roughly 60–80% time to research and the rest to clinical work to maintain skills (maximum 2–4 clinical sessions per week). The substantial funding allows building a research team and undertaking high-impact translational studies. No indirect costs are provided, as CRUK grants primarily cover direct research costs.
Deadline:
- March 26, 2026 (outline application) – Submission of a preliminary proposal is required by this date. Full applications are by invitation only, reviewed twice yearly.
- Selected candidates will interview in late 2026, and fellowships should commence by late 2026 or early 2027.
Where to go for further information: