The AACR Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer Research Fellowship is a two-year fellowship to cultivate the next generation of lung cancer researchers. This program provides promising early-career scientists with USD 130,000 in support to undertake mentored research projects directly relevant to non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The fellowship, administered by the American Association for Cancer Research, encourages innovative basic, translational, clinical, or population science research that can advance the understanding and treatment of NSCLC while helping the fellow establish a pathway to independence in the field.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in a related field and must not be pursuing another doctoral degree.
- Must hold a mentored research position (e.g. postdoctoral fellow, clinical research fellow) at the start of the grant term (August 1, 2026). Candidates should have completed their most recent doctoral degree or medical residency within the past 5 years (on or after August 1, 2021).
- Must work under the guidance of a qualified mentor at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world. No geographic/citizenship restrictions (visa must allow project completion at host institution).
- AACR membership is required (Associate membership available for early-career researchers; nonmembers must apply by the LOI deadline).
Funding Details:
- Award: USD 130,000 total, disbursed over 2 years.
- Stipends are typically USD 65,000 per year, covering salary, benefits, and research expenses of the fellow’s project (Funding cannot be used for indirect costs or clinical trial expenses.)
- Year 2 funding is contingent upon satisfactory progress in Year 1. Fellows receive structured mentorship and may be invited to AACR professional development events.
Deadline:
- Letter of Intent Deadline: January 22, 2026 at 1:00 PM (ET).
- Full Application Deadline (by invitation): May 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM (ET).
- Award notification by June 2026; fellowship term begins August 1, 2026.
Where to go for further information: