Postdoctoral Research Bursary for Clinical Trainees
About this scheme
Key information
Applications are considered from any area of our funding remit, with the exception of clinical trials and drug discovery.
You should have:
- obtained a higher degree (MD/PhD) in a cancer-relevant research area.
- a national training number (NTN or NTN(A)) at the time of award
- secured protected time and salary for your research
You should not have held any previous postdoctoral fellowships.
Fellowships must be hosted in a UK University or research institute. Periods of research experience away from the host institution may be requested and must be fully justified.
Funding support is provided for:
- up to £35,000
- up to 2 years support
- research expenses and research services (e.g. statistical support, lab technician services, etc)
- travel related to the research project or collaborations
The award cannot be used to fund:
- the applicant’s salary
- course or examination fees
How to apply to this scheme
Overview of the application process
Applications for Research Bursaries are considered twice a year by the Research Careers Committee. Timelines typically follow this schedule, but may vary:
| Application deadline | Funding decisions | |
|---|---|---|
| 6 March 2025 | May 2025 | |
| 25 September 2025 | November 2025 |
Before making your application
If you have questions about the eligibility of your proposal for this scheme, or require any assistance with your application, please contact a Research Grants Manager.
The 5 year rolling success rate (financial year 2017-2022) from application to funding for this scheme is 47%.
Applications are assessed by the Research Careers Committee
Cancer Research UK contact details
Please contact the relevant Research Grants Manager if you have questions about your eligibility or require any assistance with your application or active award.
For London (except Imperial and ICR), The North East, Scotland, and Northern Ireland
Dr Catherine Cremona, Research Grants Manager: fellowships@cancer.org.uk
For Cambridge, Oxford, and The South East and West
Dr Elisabetta Gamen, Research Grants Manager: fellowships@cancer.org.uk
For London (Imperial and ICR only), The Midlands, The North West and Wales
Dr Fran Smith, Research Grants Manager: fellowships@cancer.org.uk
Please contact Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap, Research Programme Manager, if you would like to hear more about the support we offer e.g. CRUK Fellow meetings, activities and training, and to share any potential challenges you might face: fellowships@cancer.org.uk
Please refer to the 'How to apply to this scheme tab' for further details and dates for the current funding round.
More career development opportunities for researchers
We offer a range of fellowships, bursaries and other support to help outstanding scientists and clinicians develop their independent research careers.
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