The University of Oxford has been awarded £9m to support the next generation of doctors and scientists to develop cancer treatments.

The money, provided by Cancer Research UK, will be directed towards the training of early-career clinician scientists as part of Cancer Research UK's Clinical Academic Training Programme.

Clinician scientists help to bridge the gap between laboratory and patient-centred clinical research.

Professor Mark Middleton, the academic lead for the clinical academic training programme in Oxford, said: "We are delighted to gain further Cancer Research UK funding to help train tomorrow’s leading cancer researchers.

"Cancer Research UK’s funding means not only that our doctors and medical students can train as scientists, but also that our scientists will understand better how to apply their work to the benefit of patients."

Training as a clinician scientist typically involves doctors embarking on a PhD, causing an interruption in their medical training before they can return to specialise.

However, pressures on the healthcare system and lack of funding often deter clinicians from returning to research.

Cancer Research UK aims to address this issue with flexible and accommodating training options.

Michelle Mitchell, Cancer Research UK’s chief executive, said: "Clinician scientists have a very important role to play by bringing their knowledge and experience of treating people with cancer to scientific research.

"We need all our doctors and scientists to be able to reach their full potential.

"That’s why we are continuing to provide flexible training options for early-career clinician scientists."