The CRUK Clinician Scientist Fellowship supports medically qualified researchers who wish to develop an independent cancer research program while maintaining their clinical skills and training. It is specifically tailored to clinicians who are working toward completing their specialist training and who can demonstrate a clear vision for future independent research in an area of cancer with high patient need. CRUK particularly welcomes proposals in areas of strategic priority including early detection, cancers of unmet need (brain, lung, oesophageal, pancreatic, liver, stomach), and children and young people’s cancers. The fellowship must be hosted at a UK university, hospital, or research institute. Note: This scheme operates as a closed round — applicants must contact CRUK at least two weeks before the deadline for an informal eligibility discussion before being given access to the application system.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be medically qualified (clinical degree such as MB BChir, MBBS, or equivalent) and practising medicine in the UK
- Must hold GMC registration (or be in the process of obtaining it)
- Must hold a National Training Number (NTN or NTN(A)) with clear plans to obtain a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) by the end of the fellowship, or hold a CCT already
- The research proposal must represent the applicant’s own independent research ideas, not significantly overlapping with a current supervisor’s program
- Host institution must be a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institute
- Open to researchers of any nationality provided they are UK-based
Funding Details:
- Substantial multi-year fellowship (typically 3–5 years) covering the fellow’s clinical salary and research running costs
- Includes funding for research staff support (postdoc or equivalent), consumables, equipment, and travel
- Exact budget scope varies by project; CRUK reviews for cost justification
Deadline:
- Outline application deadline: 26 March 2026
- Applicants must contact CRUK at least two weeks prior to discuss eligibility (i.e., by approximately 12 March 2026 at the latest)
- Outline submission via Flexi-Grant; full applications invited subsequently
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