The Cancer Research UK Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship is a seven-year career-development award designed to help clinician-scientists establish independent research groups and become future leaders in academic cancer research. The fellowship typically provides up to £2.5 million over seven years, in addition to a required contribution from the host organisation toward the fellow’s salary.
The program supports a broad range of cancer research, including basic biology, preclinical research, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering and physical sciences, population research, prevention, and early detection. CRUK particularly encourages research in strategic priority areas such as early detection, prevention, children and young people’s cancers, and cancers of unmet need, including brain, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver, and stomach cancers.
Eligibility Criteria
- Are eligible to practise medicine in the UK and hold GMC registration, or will obtain GMC registration if currently practising outside the UK.
- Hold a higher research degree, such as an MD or PhD.
- Have completed a period of postdoctoral research and made important contributions appropriate to their research field.
- Will be based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution.
- Demonstrate the skills and experience expected for the “Establish independence” career stage under CRUK’s competency framework.
- Apply as the sole lead applicant and Principal Investigator.
Funding Details
- Fellowship duration: 7 years
- Typical maximum funding: Up to £2.5 million
- The fellowship is non-renewable.
- Funding for years 5–7 is conditional on satisfactory progress at the year-four mid-term review.
- Equipment costs of up to £50,000 in total may be requested.
Deadline
- Outline applications opened: July 7, 2026
- Outline application deadline: October 1, 2026
- Outline shortlisting: December 2026
- Invited full application deadline: February 2027
- Interview and final committee review: May 2027
- Earliest fellowship start following the May review: August 1, 2027.
- Current status: Open
Further Information
- Official program information and eligibility: The Cancer Research UK Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship page provides the current funding amount, eligibility requirements, research remit, deadlines, application guidance, and host-institution requirements.
- Application system: Outline and invited full applications are submitted through CRUK’s Flexi-Grant grants management system.
- Pre-application eligibility enquiry: CRUK recommends contacting the fellowship team at least one month before the deadline and submitting a CV and eligibility enquiry form.
- Program contact: Questions concerning eligibility and applications can be directed to fellowships@cancer.org.uk.
- Review and career guidance: Applicants should consult CRUK’s Research Careers Committee assessment criteria, competency framework, costs guidance, salary guidance, research policies, and Clinical Future Leaders Fellowship FAQs before submission.