PhD studentships

We only accept applications from the proposed supervisor. Students who are interested in becoming a Breast Cancer Now PhD student should contact the supervisors directly.

Learn more about Breast Cancer Now's PhD studentships, how to apply, and key deadlines for aspiring researchers in breast cancer.

In this section

What's the purpose of the scheme?

We design our PhD studentships to propel new, highly qualified science graduates into a career of breast cancer research. Our Grants Committee (GC) will assess your application based on:

Your research plan

Clear relevance to breast cancer research

Whether the outcomes will lead to a significant advance in understanding breast cancer
The quality of the research environment
The support provided by the supervisor and the host institution to help develop the student's career in research

How long can a grant be?

PhD awards can be for 3 or 4-year full time studentships, or a part time equivalent up to 8 years.

How much funding can I apply for?

The awards and can cover student stipend, student fees, college fees (where applicable), research expenses and essential equipment. The total amount you request must not exceed £170,000. This includes £2,500 for conference costs. Named academic/clinical co-applicants and collaborators are permitted from outside the UK and Ireland.

Which areas of research do you support?

Areas we can support:
- Improving treatments, care and services for those affected by secondary breast cancer
- Improving support for the physical and mental health, and the emotional wellbeing of people affected by breast cancer
- Developing kinder, smarter treatments for people with breast cancer and improving access to treatments for those affected
- Improving detection and diagnosis of breast cancer
- Furthering our understanding of why breast cancer occurs and spreads and using our knowledge to help prevent breast cancer developing
Areas we're unable to support
- Applications from commercial entities
- Applications from prospective PhD students themselves
- Applications from clinicians taking time out of programme to undertake a PhD
- Research proposals into conditions other than breast cancer
- Applications for equipment only. We will accept requests for small pieces of equipment as part of your proposal, but you must include a clear justification for this request
- Applications which request funding for consumables or running costs only
- Applications from an individual who is not employed by an eligible institution
- Applications for methods or service development
- Projects part-funded with other funders

When will my application be reviewed?

The committee will be reviewing applications in November 2025.

When is the next funding round?

The next funding round will run over similar dates in the next calendar year. We’ll update this page once exact dates are confirmed.

PhD studentship guidelines

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