Top 10 Oncogrants of the Week: Advancing Breakthroughs in Cancer Care

This week, OncoDaily presents the second installment of 10 premier oncogrants and fellowships, each designed to catalyze translational impact and clinical excellence. These opportunities support investigators and clinicians across career stages, advancing therapeutic innovation, prevention, and diagnostics across diverse cancer types.

1. Pezcoller–Marina Larcher Fogazzaro–EACR Women in Cancer Research Award

International award honoring a cancer researcher of any gender who combines scientific excellence with significant leadership or actions that advance women in cancer research. Winner presents the Award Lecture at EACR 2026 (Budapest, 8–11 June 2026) and at the Pezcoller Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Employed at a European institution and working in Europe for at least the past 5 years.
• Demonstrated academic excellence in cancer research and a clear record of advancing women in the field (through leadership or example).
• No self-nominations; EACR Board members cannot be nominated.

Funding Details:

• Honorarium: EUR 10,000.
• Invited Award Lectures at EACR 2026 and the Pezcoller Foundation (Trento, Italy).

Deadline:

• Nominations due: 12 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

Further details in the EACR website.

2. Pezcoller Foundation–EACR Translational Cancer Researcher Award

Annual international award recognizing outstanding translational cancer scientists whose fundamental discoveries show clear potential for future clinical development. Includes an honorarium and invited lectures at EACR 2026 (Budapest, 8–11 June 2026) and the Pezcoller Foundation (Trento).

Eligibility Criteria:

• ≤15 years post-doctoral (or equivalent) experience by the award year.
• Employed at a European institution and working in Europe for at least the past 5 years.
• Demonstrated excellence in translational cancer research with clear clinical promise (past or future).
• No self-nominations; EACR Board members are ineligible.

Funding Details:

• Honorarium: EUR 10,000.
• Award lecture at EACR 2026 Congress and invited lecture at the Pezcoller Foundation (date TBC).

Deadline:

• Nominations due: 12 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

Further details in the EACR website.

3. ESMO Digital and Computational Pathology Fellowship

Two-year ESMO fellowship for young physicians to lead high-impact digital and computational pathology projects that accelerate precision oncology; includes ESMO meeting access and structured faculty mentorship.

Eligibility Criteria:

• ESMO member; age ≤40 at application (extension of one year per child for parental leave).
• Qualified medical doctor; 100% effort on the proposed project.
• Fellowship may be hosted at any institution worldwide.
• Required application materials: online form; research proposal (template); CV with publications/presentations (templates, strict page limits); motivation letter (max 2 pages, Arial Narrow ≥11 pt); recommendation letter from host Head of Department confirming protected time and any project funding.
• Applications assessed by ESMO Leadership Development Committee; final approval by ESMO Executive Board.

Funding Details:

• EUR 200,000 total over 2 years to supplement the fellow’s salary.
• Complimentary registration for the ESMO Congress and other relevant ESMO meetings.
• Paired mentoring with an ESMO Faculty member; goals and regular meetings (at least every two months) required.
• Sponsored by AstraZeneca.

Deadline:

Applications open in Autumn 2025; exact deadline to be announced.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Check the ESMO Fellowships webpage for the application portal and templates.
• Questions: [email protected].

4. Melanoma Institute Australia: Immuno-Oncology / Medical Oncology Fellowship

One-year clinical fellowship in North Sydney for medical oncology trainees/RACP Fellows (or overseas equivalents) focused on melanoma and complex skin cancer. Fellows gain intensive experience in immuno-oncology, multidisciplinary care, and Phase I–III clinical trials within a world-class translational research environment.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Medical oncology trainee or RACP Fellow (or overseas equivalent; dermato-oncology acceptable for German/Swiss candidates).
• Recent experience in medical oncology; strong interest in immuno-oncology, clinical trials, and melanoma/skin cancer.
• Able to meet Australian registration and visa requirements; regulatory assistance available for top candidates.

Funding Details:

• Full-time, 1-year fellowship starting February 2027.
• Base salary: AUD 139,187 per annum.
• Opportunities to manage trial patients, contribute to investigator-initiated studies, and present research at major meetings.

Deadline:

• Applications close September 19, 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Email [email protected] to request the candidate application form.

5. The Royal Marsden Fellowships

Clinical and research fellowships at The Royal Marsden for doctors across oncology specialties. Posts recruit year-round (typical starts in August or February), welcome UK and international trainees, and include guidance for GMC registration, PLAB/IELTS, and visas.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Open to qualified trainees/doctors seeking fellowship experience at The Royal Marsden.
• UK trainees: may require Out of Programme Experience (OOPE); discuss with your TPD/supervisor.
• Overseas trainees: must be eligible for GMC registration (PLAB or exemption as applicable), meet English-language requirements (IELTS academic), and secure the appropriate UK work visa.

Funding Details:

• Compensation and terms vary by fellowship post; see individual advert or confirm via email.

Deadline:

• Rolling deadline.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Email [email protected] with your CV and a cover letter stating the fellowship of interest, or to request current vacancies.

6. ESO Clinical Training Centre Fellowships – Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra

1–6 month ESO Clinical Training Centre observerships at CCUN with multidisciplinary exposure across clinical immunotherapy research, advanced interventional radiation oncology and proton therapy, gynecological cancers, and palliative cancer care. Fellows join MDTs/clinics, earn ESCO credits, and receive monthly support plus travel refund.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Doctors who specialized within the last 5 years (or will complete by start).
• From Europe, Mediterranean countries, or Latin America, with prior ESO participation (≥1 ESO event or ≥5 e-ESO sessions).
• Language: good English for non-Spanish speakers; the Palliative Care track requires advanced Spanish.
• Fellowship type at CCUN: Visiting Observership only (no direct patient contact).
• Pre-admission documents required by CCUN: police record certificate and certificate of sexual crimes clearance (Spain).

Funding Details:

• ESO refunds economy travel and provides EUR 2,000 gross per month.
• Duration by track: Immunotherapy 1–3 months; Interventional RT/Proton Therapy 3–6 months; Gynecological Cancers 3–6 months; Palliative Care 6 months.
• ESCO credits: 120 (3 months) or 240 (6 months).
• Trainee covers any medical council registration costs; accommodation not provided.

Deadline:

• Applications close 17 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Apply via ESO’s online portal.
• General enquiries: [email protected].

7. ESO Clinical Training Centre Fellowships — Genolier Cancer Center

3–6 month, practice-focused oncology fellowships at Clinique de Genolier (Switzerland) through ESO’s CTC programme. Multidisciplinary exposure (Breast Unit, GI/GIST, Radiation Oncology), structured teaching, and ESCO credits with a monthly stipend and travel refund.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Doctors who specialized within the last 5 years (or will complete by the start date).
• From Europe, Mediterranean countries, or Latin America.
• Prior ESO participation: at least 1 ESO event or 5 e-ESO sessions (with evaluations).
• Language: intermediate French required for Breast Unit and Radiotherapy tracks (interview held in French).
• Enrolment options: Visiting Observership (3–6 months; no direct patient contact) or Visiting Residency (6 months; direct patient contact; processing may take up to 6 months).

Funding Details:

• ESO refunds economy travel and provides EUR 2,000 per month.
• Duration: 3 or 6 months.
• ESCO credits: 120 (3-month) or 240 (6-month).
• Trainee covers medical council registration and arranges accommodation.

Deadline:

• Applications close 17 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Apply via the ESO online portal: complete the form and upload a recommendation letter, CV with publications, medical degree, and specialization certificate (with English translations if needed).
• Select up to two choices (Breast Unit — Medical Oncology; Gastrointestinal/GIST — Medical Oncology; Radio-Oncology Centre).
• Queries: [email protected].

8. ESO CTC Observerships/Residencies at European Institute of Oncology

Three–six month ESO Clinical Training Centre placements at IEO, a leading comprehensive cancer centre in Milan. Fellows train within multidisciplinary teams across breast, GI/NET, gynaecological, lung, melanoma, radiation oncology, onco-haematology, pathology, and early drug development—on a research-rich campus integrating clinic and lab.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Doctors specialized within the last 5 years (or completing by start).
• From Europe, Mediterranean countries, or Latin America.
• Prior ESO participation (≥1 ESO event or ≥5 e-ESO sessions).
• Language: Italian or intermediate English (residency requires at least intermediate English if Italian not spoken).
• Track options at IEO: Visiting Observership or Visiting Residency (per programme).
• Note (Italy): Participants are subject to Italian tax.

Funding Details:

• ESO economy travel reimbursement + EUR 2,000 gross per month.
• Duration: 3–6 months (observership or residency, per centre rules).
• ESCO credits: 120 (3 months) or 240 (6 months).
• Trainee covers any medical-council registration; accommodation not provided.

Deadline: 17 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Apply via the ESO online portal.
• General enquiries: [email protected].

9. ESO CTC Fellowships at Centre Hospital of South-Pest

1–6 month ESO Clinical Training Centre observerships focused on solid tumours, palliative care, hemato-oncology, and stem cell transplantation at one of Hungary’s largest university teaching hospitals. Fellows join frequent tumour boards, observe inpatient/outpatient care, hospice, and rehabilitation, and can visit the Oncompass molecular diagnostics team. Tracks include: Solid Tumours & Palliative Care (1–3 months), Hematology & Stem Cell Transplantation (1–3 months), and a combined Oncology/Hematology/Palliative rotation (3–6 months).

Eligibility Criteria:

• Doctors specialized within the last 5 years (or completing by start).
• From Europe, Mediterranean countries, or Latin America.
• Prior ESO participation (≥1 ESO event or ≥5 e-ESO sessions).
• Language: Good English for non-Hungarian speakers.
• Track: Visiting Observership (programme-specific durations as above).

Funding Details:

• ESO economy travel reimbursement + EUR 2,000 gross per month.
• Duration: 1–3 months (Solid Tumours & Palliative; Hematology & SCT); 3–6 months (combined rotation).
• ESCO credits: 120 (3 months) or 240 (6 months) where applicable.
• Trainee covers any medical-council registration costs; accommodation not provided.

Deadline: 17 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Apply via the ESO online portal.
• General enquiries: [email protected].

10. ESO CTC Fellowships at Institute of Oncology Ljubljana

3–6 month ESO Clinical Training Centre observerships at Slovenia’s national cancer institute. Fellows join multidisciplinary teams across breast and gastrointestinal oncology, with an additional 1–3 month clinical cancer genetics option. Rotations include clinics, MDTs, and opportunities to observe imaging, pathology, genetics, epidemiology, and palliative care; research exposure is available.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Doctors specialized within the last 5 years (or completing by start).
• From Europe, Mediterranean countries, or Latin America.
• Prior ESO participation (≥1 ESO event or ≥5 e-ESO sessions).
• Language: Good English for non-Slovenian speakers.
• Track: Visiting Observership (programme-specific).

Funding Details:

• ESO economy travel reimbursement + EUR 2,000 gross per month.
• Duration: 3–6 months (Breast, GI); 1–3 months (Clinical Genetics).
• ESCO credits: 120 (3 months) or 240 (6 months); pro-rated for shorter stays.
• Trainee covers any medical-council registration costs; accommodation not provided.

Deadline: 17 September 2025.

Where to Go for Further Information:

• Apply via ESO online portal.
• General enquiries: [email protected].

If you want to learn more about Oncogrants, click here.