Research career development opportunities

As part of our commitments to supporting the next generation of researchers and equality, diversity and inclusion in research, we're offering early- to mid-career researchers the opportunity to observe our panel and committee meetings across our funding remit. This scheme will include positive action to offer individuals from underrepresented groups priority places to overcome the underrepresentation that has been highlighted by our diversity data report.  

Through this experience we hope you can: 

• Understand how grant funding decisions are made to ensure we fund the best quality research
• Develop your own successful research proposals in the future 
• Help develop your skills as peer reviewers 
• Have the opportunity to give feedback to us to help improve our review processes

In 2020, we updated our competency framework to include the skills and expertise required to support translation of research for patient benefit. 

We also support our researchers through a specialised translational team who are based across the UK and can provide the advice and support needed, an entrepreneurial programme with the aim to nurture an entrepreneurial culture among early career cancer researchers in the UK and several funding opportunities to accelerate translation.

We support and develop the very best researchers with more than just funding. As a CRUK Fellow or Group Leader, we'll help you become a research leader of tomorrow.

Our researchers benefit from being part of a network of 4,000 clinicians and scientists who are united behind our ambitious strategy to beat cancer sooner. With the support of our network, you'll have the opportunities you need to develop independence as a leader.

• Networking meetings with fellow CRUK researchers in your peer group, and our world-leading senior scientists
• Training workshops and mentoring from inspirational leaders
• Access to the CRUK network of scientists, clinicians and state-of-the-art facilities
• Flexible working opportunities and paid leave entitlements
• Accelerated UK work visa route for exceptionally talented researchers

CRUK is a proud signatory of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers (Researcher Development Concordat), an agreement between stakeholders to improve the employment and support for researchers and researcher careers. It sets out obligations for research funders, employers, line managers and researchers themselves to support the professional and career development of researchers in a higher education environment.

We have published an action plan to demonstrate our commitments as a funder in a transparent way and emphasise the importance of our researchers and their development.