CRUK Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship Programme
The Programme is run in collaboration with Black in Cancer and the Windsor Fellowship.
The 2026 Black Leaders in Cancer PhD Scholarship Programme is now open to applications.
This is a two stage process that initially requires a submission to the Windsor Fellowship Scheme to confirm eligibility and then a full application to the CRUK Newcastle Cancer Centre.
Submit your Windsor Fellowship Application
About the programme
As part of Cancer Research UK’s commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Research, they have developed this programme in consultation with the research community and in close collaboration with expert partners, Black in Cancer and the Windsor Fellowship. By helping candidates from Black heritage backgrounds build their career in cancer research-related fields, this exciting programme is designed to make an immediate and tangible impact on the diversity of the research workforce.
This programme provides a unique opportunity for students from Black heritage backgrounds to pursue a 4-year fully-funded PhD in cancer research. Students will benefit from being part of our CRUK Newcastle Cancer Centre training programme and from a comprehensive programme of mentoring, career support, leadership training and networking led by the Windsor Fellowship and Black in Cancer.
Students will enrol on a 4-year fully-funded PhD training programme based in their primary supervisor’s research group.
What is funded?
Starting in September 2026, we will fund up to three 4-year fully-funded studentships covering:
- Generous tax-free stipend (living allowance) of more than £22,000 per annum
- Tuition fees for Home status only (see Eligibility criteria)
- Project consumables funding (to enable the running of the PhD project and research development opportunities, including travel to international conferences/workshops)
- Mentoring, career support, leadership training and networking – led by the Windsor Fellowship and Black in Cancer, in addition to the support provided by the CRUK Newcastle Cancer Centre Training Committee, to drive your career forward and realise your full potential to beat cancer.
Eligibility
The programme is aimed at students from Black heritage backgrounds pursuing a PhD in cancer-related fields.
This scheme is open to people who self-identify as being from a Black heritage background, including a mixed background, for example: Black African, Black Caribbean, Black Other, Mixed background (to include Black African, Black Caribbean or other Black backgrounds). You will need to submit an initial application to the Windsor Fellowship.
You must also meet the general entry requirements for the PhD programme at the University of Newcastle:
- Hold a first or upper-second class undergraduate honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (or equivalent from a non-UK university)
- Have appropriate research experience as part of, or outside of, an undergraduate or masters degree course in a relevant subject
- Meet English language requirements
Key dates
Your application must be submitted by the deadline: 5 December 2025, noon
We should receive your references by 12 December 2025, noon. Your application may still be considered if references are not received by this deadline. However, no applicant will be invited to interview unless references have been received.
You will find out if you have been invited to interview for the programme before: 19 January 2026
Supervisors may contact you during the shortlisting period (December 2025 - mid-January 2026), to find out more about you and your interest in their project.
Information session for interviewees: 5 February 2026, 1pm to 2pm
Panel interviews will take place: week commencing 9 February 2026
Programme start date: September 2026
Interviews
During the interview, candidates will be interviewed by a panel of CRUK Newcastle Cancer Centre academics from across the Centre’s partners. Please note that only one project will be funded. Studentships will be awarded to the best applicant based on information submitted on the application form, references and performance during the interview.
How to apply?
Insight Session
The Windsor Fellowship is running an insight session for potential candidates:
Tuesday 7 October 20245 at 12:30 – 14:00 (GMT)
Potential candidates can register to attend the insight session here.
Step 1 - Windsor Fellowship Application
Step 2 - CRUK Newcastle Cancer Centre Application
Follow the above links for steps to submit your formal application for a place on the studentship programme at the CRUK Newcastle Cancer Centre
Please remember that you will also have to complete Step 1
If you are shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend an interview in February 2026