The Cancer Research UK Senior Cancer Research Fellowship supports established group leaders who are ready to further develop an independent cancer research programme and strengthen their position as international leaders in the field.
The fellowship provides long-term support across a wide range of cancer research areas, including basic biology, preclinical research, imaging, radiotherapy, engineering and physical sciences, population research, prevention, and early detection.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be scientists based at a UK university, medical school, hospital, or research institution.
- Applicants must have appropriate space and facilities to run an independent research group.
- Applicants must hold a PhD or MD.
- The research programme must be clearly relevant to cancer.
- New outline applications from clinicians are no longer accepted under this scheme.
- Part-time and flexible working arrangements may be considered.
Funding Details
- Funding: Typically up to £1.75 million
- Duration: 6 years
- The award can support 50% of the Fellow’s salary.
- Equipment costs of up to £50,000 may be requested.
Deadline
- Outline application deadline: October 1, 2026
- Committee shortlisting: December 2026
- Invited full application: February 2027
- Interview and committee review: May 2027
- Earliest start following the May review: August 1, 2027
Further Information
- CRUK particularly welcomes work addressing early detection and cancers with major unmet needs.
- Proposals focused purely on developing future clinical trials are not suitable.
- Applications are managed through CRUK’s Flexi-Grant system.
- Official CRUK Senior Cancer Research Fellowship