Contribution Reward and Promotion Schemes

The University of Cambridge operates a number of contribution reward and promotion schemes for the various staff groups, summarised below.

For details of the running schedules of all our contribution reward and promotion schemes, please see our Reward Scheme Calendar.

Academic Career Pathways (Promotion to Grades 6-9)

The Academic Career Pathways (Promotion to Grades 6-9) (ACP 6-9) scheme is run annually, and allows eligible academic and research staff to apply for promotion to the offices/posts of Associate (Teaching) Professor (Grade 9), Assistant Research Professor (Grade 9), Senior Teaching/Research Associate (Grade 8), Teaching/Research Associate (Grade 7) and Senior Research Associate (Grade 6).

Full details of ACP 6-9 can be found here.

For queries, please contact acp@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Academic Career Pathways (Promotion to Grades 10-12)

The Academic Career Pathways (Promotion to Grades 10-12) (ACP 10-12) scheme is run annually, and allows eligible academic and research staff to apply for promotion to the offices/posts of Associate (Teaching/Research) Professor (Grade 10), (Teaching/Research) Professor (Grade 11), Clinical (Teaching/Research) Professor, and (Teaching/Research) Professor at Grade 12.  

Full details of ACP 10-12 can be found here.

For queries, please contact acp@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Academic Career Pathways (Grade 12)

Previously called the Professorial Pay Review (PPR) scheme, the Academic Career Pathways (Grade 12) scheme runs biennially, and offers eligible Academic employees the opportunity to apply for progression both within their current Grade 12 band, and to higher bands.

The next round of the scheme is due to launch in Michaelmas Term 2026. 

Full details of the 2025 round of the ACP (12) scheme can be found here.

For queries, please contact acp12@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Contribution Reward Scheme (Academic and Research)

The Contribution Reward Scheme (Academic and Research) for Academic and Research staff in grades 5 to 11 is run annually, and offers eligible staff the opportunity to be nominated for one of two types of awards, as follows:

  • Contribution Increments to recognise outstanding, sustained and ongoing contribution.
  • Single Contribution Payments for exceptional one-off or time limited contribution.

Full details of the scheme can be found here.

For queries, please contact ContributionRewardScheme@admin.cam.ac.uk

Contribution Reward Scheme (Professional Services)

The Contribution Reward Scheme (Professional Services) for Academic Related and Assistant staff in grades 1 to 11 is run annually, and offers eligible staff the opportunity to be nominated for one of two types of awards, as follows:

  • Contribution Increments to recognise outstanding, sustained and ongoing contribution.
  • Single Contribution Payments for exceptional one-off or time limited contribution.

Full details of the scheme can be found here.

For queries, please contact ContributionRewardScheme@admin.cam.ac.uk

Contribution Reward Scheme for Academic-Related Staff in Grade 12

The University of Cambridge operates an annual Contribution Reward Scheme for Academic-Related Staff in Grade 12.  Full details of the scheme can be found here.

For queries, please contact CRSGrade12@admin.cam.ac.uk.