David Scott, Cancer Research UK's Head of Science Funding Awards, explains how the Career Establishment Awards scheme provides excellent researchers with vital financial and organisational support to build their own specialist research group at a critical point in their careers.
1. What is unique about this scheme?
While other funding bodies offer grants that are intended for newly independent researchers, the Career Establishment Award is the only award that provides funding in the form of research staff and running expenses for five years. The majority only provide funding for three years. It is therefore the only award of its type that is complementary to fellowship funding.
2. What is the value of grants given?
The CEA provides up to five years of funding and supports a postdoctoral researcher, a technician and associated running expenses. It provides an allocation of running expenses to the principal investigator providing they are able to justify the amount of time they will spend at the bench. It will also provide up to £25,000 for equipment.
3. How does the scheme help participants develop their career in cancer research
The award is intended to allow researchers sufficient time to establish their research so that they are able to publish their research findings when they can achieve the highest impact. This lets them concentrate on producing high quality research without the pressure of having to juggle applications for further funding.
4. Who is this grant aimed at?
The award is aimed at researchers who have recently completed their postdoctoral training and have taken up their first non-clinical higher education funding council funded post - such as a lectureship. It is not aimed at researchers who have decided to follow the fellowship route.
5. What are the opportunities for participants to establish their career after the award period has been completed?
Once the CEA has finished the grantee will be eligible to apply for project grant and programme funding from Cancer Research UK in order to further their research career.
