Introduction

The Advanced Clinician Scientist Fellowship (ACSF) is a funding scheme offered by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) to support exceptional clinician-scientists in pursuing research independence and leadership. This fellowship aims to nurture the development of outstanding researchers who can contribute significantly to cancer research. The ACSF provides five-year funding, typically up to £1.5 million, covering salaries, running expenses, equipment for the fellow, and up to two additional posts.

Scope of Work

The ACSF supports research in all areas within CRUK's funding remit, including population, prevention, and early detection/diagnosis research. However, it excludes interventional clinical studies/trials and drug discovery. The fellowship encourages research focusing on brain, lung, pancreas, oesophagus, stomach, and liver cancers.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the ACSF, applicants must:

• Be based at a UK university or research institute during the fellowship.

• Hold a higher degree (MD/PhD) in a cancer-relevant research area.

• Have obtained their CCT and hold consultant status.

• Have completed a significant period of postdoctoral research.

• Demonstrate that they meet the skills and experience outlined in the 'establishing independence' career stage of CRUK's Fellowships Competency Framework.

Applicants should not hold a tenured academic post at a higher education or research institute.

Budget and Duration

The ACSF provides five-year funding, typically up to £1.5 million. This funding covers:

• The fellow's salary is at the appropriate honorary consultant grade.

• Salaries and running expenses for up to two additional posts (postdoctoral researcher, technician, or non-clinical PhD student).

• Associated running expenses.

• Equipment costs up to £25,000.

• Relocation costs up to £1,000 if the fellow moves to a new host institution.

The fellowship also encourages attending the EMBO Lab Leadership for Group Leaders course, providing valuable skills for running an independent research group.

Additional Information

The ACSF offers a range of benefits beyond funding, including access to networking and training opportunities, flexible working policies, and an accelerated route through the Tier 1 visa system.

Key Dates

The ACSF application process has two deadlines per year:

• Outline application deadline: 5 October 2023, 21 March 2024, 3 October 2024

• Full application deadline: 22 February 2024, 12 September 2024, February 2025

Application Process

The application process for the ACSF involves two stages:

• Eligibility Enquiry Form (optional): Applicants can submit a CV and Eligibility Enquiry Form to the CRUK Office to receive feedback on their proposal and whether the fellowship is suitable. This form should be submitted at least one month before the deadline.

• Outline application: Applicants submit an outline application through the Flexi-Grant system. Successful applicants are shortlisted and invited to submit a full application.

• Full application: Applicants submit a full application through the Flexi-Grant system, which their host institution must approve before the deadline. The application is reviewed by an Expert Review Panel (ERP), who provides feedback before the interview. The ERP conducts an interview and makes a recommendation to the Research Careers Committee, which makes the final funding decision.

Selection Process

International Expert Review Panels assess applications, and funding decisions are made by the Research Careers Committee. The committee evaluates proposals based on:

• Scientific excellence: the strength of the scientific rationale for the proposed research.

• Cancer-relevance: the value of the research in advancing cancer understanding or improving diagnosis and treatment.

• Applicant's track record and potential to produce outstanding results.

• Strength of the research team and research environment.

Contact Information

For questions about eligibility or assistance with applications, contact the relevant Research Grants Manager:

• London (except Imperial and ICR), The North East, Scotland, and Northern Ireland: Dr Catherine Cremona, fellowships@cancer.org.uk

• Cambridge, Oxford, and The South East and West: Eve Riley, fellowships@cancer.org.uk

• London (Imperial and ICR only), The Midlands, The North West and Wales: Dr Fran Smith, fellowships@cancer.org.uk

For information about the support offered to fellows, contact Dr Marjolein (Lein) Schaap at fellowships@cancer.org.uk.

Reporting Requirements

Please refer to the 'How to apply to this scheme' tab for further details and dates for the current funding round.

For More funding Opportunities, Visit Global Funding Opportunities.