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CRUK Black Leaders

CRUK Black Leaders in Cancer DPhil scholarship programme

The CRUK postgraduate studentship programme, Black Leaders in Cancer, was developed in close consultation with the research community, including the expert partner organisations Black in Cancer and Windsor Fellowship. This programme aims to help develop the next generation of Black leaders in cancer research. 

Students on this scheme will benefit from being a part of Oxford’s DPhil in Cancer Science Programme which provides interdisciplinary cutting-edge training in a world-renowned research environment. As well as having access to a comprehensive programme of mentoring, career support, leadership training and networking led by the Windsor Fellowship and Black in Cancer.

Students will be accepted onto our non-clinical programmes via Track 3 (Biological) or Track 4 (Maths/Physics/Engineering), whichever is relevant to their scientific background.

One non-clinical studentship place will be available at Oxford for the 2026 intake. The DPhil in Cancer Science is open to applications from 8th September 2025, until 2nd December (12, noon), 2025. Available research projects can be found in our Non-clinical Project Booklet (see the project booklet tab). 

Eligibility

This scheme is aimed at students from Black heritage backgrounds pursuing a DPhil in a cancer-related field. It 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 can read more information on the above eligibility requirements in CRUK’s frequently asked questions

In addition to the eligibility for the Black Leaders in Cancer programme, you must also meet the general entry requirements for the DPhil in Cancer Science programme which can be found on the course pages; Track 3 (Biological) or Track 4 (Maths/Physics/Engineering), whichever is relevant to your scientific background. 

You will need to apply to both the Windsor Fellowship and the DPhil in Cancer Programme to be eligible for the Black Leaders in Cancer scholarship. See full details below. 

Information sessions

The Windsor Fellowship are running an insight session later this year:

  • 7th October 2025 at 12:30 – 14:00

 The session will be an opportunity for candidates interested in the programme to find out more information and ask questions to a panel of representatives from the training centres, Cancer Research UK and Black in Cancer. You can learn more about the programme and the insight sessions here.

How to apply:

1)    Submit a formal application to the Windsor Fellowship to register your interest and confirm eligibility for the programme.

 2) Apply through the University of Oxford Graduate Admissions website for the relevant track, based on your scientific background:

On the application form, in the section headed ‘Departmental Studentship Applications’, you must indicate that you are applying for the studentship and enter the reference code for this studentship “BLCSP25”

Applicants must apply with a prioritised list of three projects selected from the non-clinical booklet

If you have any questions about the Black Leaders in Cancer Scholarship Programme, please get in touch: cancertraining@medsci.ox.ac.uk