A one-year postdoctoral fellowship jointly offered by AACR and EMD Serono to promote research in cancer health disparities. The 2026 fellowship supports a young investigator focusing on inequalities in bladder cancer care, providing $65,000 for salary and benefits to enable a mentored project addressing barriers and disparities in bladder cancer outcomes. This program aims to launch the fellow’s career in disparities research by fostering new approaches to improve equitable cancer care.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must hold a PhD, MD, or equivalent and be in a postdoctoral or clinical research fellowship (within 5 years of doctoral degree).
- At the July 2026 start date, must have a confirmed postdoc/fellow position and work under a mentor in an academic or research institution.
- Projects must specifically address cancer disparities in bladder cancer, with preference for proposals implementing strategies to reduce inequities in care.
- Open worldwide; no citizenship restrictions, but AACR membership is required (or application for membership by deadline).
Funding Details:
- Award Amount: $65,000 USD for 1 year, to cover the fellow’s stipend and fringe benefits. A portion of funds may be used for research supplies and travel directly related to the project.
- No indirect costs are allowed on this fellowship. The grant is intended as seed funding for high-risk, high-impact ideas that can generate data for future larger grants.
- Grant Term: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027. Progress reports are required, and awardees will have opportunities to showcase their work through AACR events.
Deadline:
- February 24, 2026 – Full application due by 1:00 PM ET. (No LOI stage; application portal typically opens in Fall 2025.)
- Decisions announced by May 2026, with the fellowship to begin in July 2026.
Where to go for further information: