Edinburgh Cancer Research

Graduate Research & Training

Training the next generation of cancer scientists and clinicians.

At the Edinburgh Cancer Research, you will be joining a scientific network of cancer researchers, clinicians and multidisciplinary experts across the University with whom we collaborate. We are committed to advancing translational discoveries that can bring better and earlier treatment for cancer patients.

We have robust programmes in place to support our students through their academic journey. There are excellent training programmes for both clinical and non-clinical PhD students. For the latter,  this is supported by the IGC Graduate School, which links to the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine (CMVM) Postgraduate Studies Committee (PGSC). This is chaired by the Director of Post-Graduate Studies (Professor Robert Semple), who has overall responsibility for student training, implementation of the University’s processes and best practice in monitoring and mentoring. Assessments are carried out by student-specific, carefully selected, thesis committees, which remain with the student throughout their PhD course. The committees are made up of supervisors, an external member (with particular expertise relating to the project) and an experienced Chair. In addition, the University supports the development of transferable and generic research skills, and offers careers guidance. The students also have a thriving Post Graduate Society (POGS) that organises lunchtime speakers, conferences, poster sessions, social events and an annual scientific retreat. The Centre has its own Post-Graduate training lead, Professor Val Brunton, who works closely with other IGC PhD training leads.

The CRUK-funded TRACC (to Train and Retain Academic Cancer Clinicians) Programme provides four MB-PhD positions and three clinical research training fellowships (CRTF) each year. Its overarching ambition is to build a cadre of cancer-orientated clinician scientists, trained for basic, translational and clinical research excellence. The Programme has been developed in close collaboration with the CRUK Scotland Centre and aims to facilitate cross-city integration. The TRACC Programme’s CRTF component parallels the acclaimed Edinburgh Clinical Academic Track (ECAT) programme in terms of its pre-doctoral mentoring and facilitation of project choice by the fellows.

Information resources:

TRACC Programme for Clinicians

IGC Graduate School

Life at the IGC

Cancer Research UK PhD programme

Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre  chemistry lab
Applications Now Closed

TRACC Programme for Clinicians

CRUK funded students
Research training designed for clinicians.

Independently funded students

Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre: academic impact
Beyond our CRUK studentship and fellowship programmes.

Undergraduates and summer students

undergraduate and summer students
Thinking about a career in cancer research?