The FDA–AACR Oncology Educational Fellowship is a one-year professional development program for early-career cancer researchers and clinicians interested in oncology drug development, regulatory science, and the review of new cancer therapies.
Fellows participate in monthly virtual educational sessions led by experts from the American Association for Cancer Research and the FDA Oncology Center of Excellence. Topics include investigational new drug applications, marketing applications, expedited regulatory pathways, clinical pharmacology, biostatistics, clinical trial design, oncology endpoints, precision oncology, and new research methodologies.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must have completed a terminal advanced degree within the past 10 years.
- Eligible degrees include MD, DO, PhD, MD/PhD, PharmD, MBBS, or an equivalent qualification in medicine or research.
- Undergraduate and graduate students are generally not eligible.
- Strong written English skills are expected.
- Applicants must be current AACR members or have submitted an AACR membership application before applying.
- U.S. citizenship is not required.
- Fellows must be able to participate fully in the required virtual sessions and both in-person events.
Funding Details:
- The fellowship does not provide a salary or stipend.
- AACR provides travel and lodging assistance for the required in-person activities.
- Registration for the AACR Annual Meeting 2027 will be fully covered directly by AACR.
- Approximately 20 fellows have previously been selected for each annual cohort.
Deadline:
- Applications opened: June 15, 2026.
- Application deadline: August 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time.
- Selected fellows will be notified: September 2026.
- Fellowship begins: October 2026.
- AACR Annual Meeting attendance: April 2–7, 2027, in Orlando, Florida.
- Project ODAC Odyssey capstone event: May 19, 2027, at the FDA White Oak Campus.
Further Information:
- The online application requires a conventional curriculum vitae, a short professional biography of up to 250 words, and a statement of interest of up to 300 words; an NIH biosketch will not be accepted as the CV.
- Two recommendation letters are required, with each limited to two pages and written by individuals who can assess the applicant’s scientific or clinical experience.
- Applicants are responsible for sending both recommendation letters together to regsci@aacr.org using the required subject line containing the applicant’s name and fellowship title.
- Fellows must attend monthly virtual sessions, selected activities at the AACR Annual Meeting, and Project ODAC Odyssey, where participants develop and lead a simulated FDA Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee meeting.
- Official program information and application details: Visit the official FDA–AACR Oncology Educational Fellowship page for the application form, complete schedule, eligibility guidance, and current program updates.