Funding Opportunities
International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection Clinical Training Research Fellowship
3-year clinical PhD programme in cancer early detection at University of Manchester
The International Alliance for Cancer Early Detection (ACED) is a partnership between Cancer Research UK, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, The University of Manchester, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), University College London, Knight Cancer Institute at OHSU and The University of Cambridge.
Earlier detection of cancer offers the greatest opportunity to deliver improvements in successful outcomes for patients. ACED aims to accelerate cancer early detection research by bringing together the best researchers across the UK and US.
We are looking for talented and motivated clinical doctors who have a strong academic background and are passionate about research in cancer early detection.
Details of the Fellowship
ACED is committed to training the next generation of early detection clinician scientists providing a supportive training environment and a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional approach to training. One CRUK ACED funded clinical fellowship, commencing after April 2027, is available at each of the UK ACED Centres.
Following an initial expression of interest, invited candidates will co-develop a 3-year research project focussed on early detection of primary cancer with their chosen supervisor as the basis of their fellowship application. Successful fellows will be based in their primary supervisor’s research group where their PhD will be registered, with an opportunity to select a co-supervisor from another ACED Centre.
ACED PhD students also benefit from:
- Dedicated ACED early detection training programme
- Programme of virtual events
- Early Detection Summer School
- Annual Early Detection of Cancer Conference
Key information
Read more about the application process, how to apply, eligibility criteria and funding.
Throughout the application process, applicants should demonstrate ownership of their research project, a strong interest in early detection research and intention to pursue a clinical academic career. Invited candidates will be responsible for co-creation of their research project with their chosen supervisor for their application.
Stage 1 – Candidate expression of interest (deadline Monday 12th October 2026)
Candidates should submit an initial expression of interest form stating their preference of supervisor from the list of approved ACED PhD supervisors at the Centre they would like to apply:
Candidates are strongly advised to contact potential supervisors in advance of submission. Supervisors select and inform candidate(s) they wish to invite to co-develop a research project.
Stage 2 – invited candidates submit full application (Deadline Monday 11th January 2027)
- Invited candidates and their chosen supervisor co-develop 3-year research project and submit full application using CRUK Flexigrant.
- Following peer review, shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by an ACED selection panel.
To apply, complete the online Expression of Interest form.
Selected Candidates will be contacted by their chosen supervisor and invited to submit a full application using CRUK Flexigrant.
See full guidelines
If you have any queries please contact Dr Martin Bone, Manchester ACED Programme Manager (martin.bone@manchester.ac.uk), Dr Louise Urien, UCL ACED Programme Manager (l.urien@ucl.ac.uk) or Dr Bridget Bannerman Cambridge ACED programme manager (bpc28@cam.ac.uk)
Eligible candidates must hold a medical degree (MBBS or other registrable primary qualification in medicine) with relevant clinical experience and be eligible for full registration with the General Medical Council. Applications from candidates from all medical and surgical specialties are welcome; candidates at consultant grade (post-CCT qualification) will not be considered. Previous relevant research experience is desirable but not essential.
Students must have UK “Home” status for fee purposes (UK National or have EU “pre-settled” or “settled” status or “indefinite leave to remain”). Funding will not cover international fees and self-funding of the international portion of tuition fees will not be eligible. See the UKCISA website for more information on home fee status. Funding includes PhD tuition fees at the UK home rate, salary commensurate with stage of training at time of starting the PhD and research running expenses.
- Expression of interest deadline: 12/10/2026
- Full application deadline: 11/1/2027
- Interview date: w/c 15/3/2027
- Studentship start: after April 2027
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Research Themes
ACED Manchester's research is prioritised across three key research themes and several disease sites.
ACED Funding Acknowledgment
Access the Communications Toolkit for researchers, students and projects funded through ACED
About ACED Manchester
ACED is a partnership between world-leading early detection institutes and organisations dedicated to improving the early detection of cancer.