Top 10 Oncogrants of the Week: Empowering Global Excellence in Cancer Research, Care, and Education

This week, OncoDaily spotlights 10 distinguished global oncology fellowships and grant programs advancing excellence, collaboration, and equity across cancer research, care, and education.

From advanced surgical oncology training in Africa and global immunotherapy innovation at MSK, to cutting-edge PhD research at Cambridge and breast cancer leadership development in low- and middle-income countries, these initiatives empower the next generation of oncologists and clinician-scientists.

Spanning clinical, translational, and population science, each program emphasizes mentorship, multidisciplinary care, and global impact — fostering expertise in fields from cellular therapy and immuno-oncology to health equity and cancer disparities.

Together, these opportunities reflect the growing global commitment to capacity building, diversity, and data-driven progress in oncology — shaping a future where knowledge, discovery, and compassion know no borders.

1. Advanced Oncology Fellowship Program

A 1–2 year, non-ACGME fellowship providing advanced clinical, multidisciplinary, and translational training for graduates of hematology/oncology fellowships. Trainees pursue subspecialty tracks including breast, early drug development, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, gynecologic, head and neck, leukemia, lymphoma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, sarcoma, and thoracic oncology.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Completion of internal medicine residency and fellowship training in medical oncology and or hematology.

• Completion of USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

• Valid ECFMG certification for international medical graduates.

Funding Details:

• Duration is 1–2 years with up to 10 positions.

• Non-ACGME program overseen by MSK GME and the hematology oncology fellowship program.

• Structured mentorship with dedicated clinical and research mentors.

• Emphasis on state-of-the-art disease management, multidisciplinary care, and clinical and translational research.

• Certificate of completion awarded at graduation.

Deadline:

• December 1.

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Send an updated CV and personal statement to the GME Coordinator, Luanda Theobalds, at [email protected]

2. Adult Cancer Immunotherapy Fellowship

The one-year Adult Cancer Immunotherapy Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) prepares physicians for academic careers in cancer immunotherapy. Offered jointly by MSK’s Adult Bone Marrow Transplantation Service, Cellular Therapeutics Center (CTC), and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), the program provides hands-on experience in clinical and laboratory research related to cellular therapy, stem cell transplantation, and advanced immunotherapies.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Board-eligible or board-certified graduates of an accredited U.S. Hematology/Oncology fellowship program or equivalent.

• Strong interest in academic careers focused on immunotherapy, cell therapy, or translational cancer research.

Funding Details:

• Duration: One year.

• Fellows receive specialized training in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, cellular therapy (CAR T, NK cells, CTLs), and immune-based cancer treatments including vaccines and checkpoint inhibitors.

• Includes inpatient and outpatient clinical exposure, disease management conferences, and weekly research meetings.

• Each fellow is assigned a mentor to guide clinical and research objectives throughout the year.

Deadline:

• March 1, 2026.

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Send updated CV and personal statement to: [email protected].

3. Fellowship in Medical Oncology

The three-year Medical Oncology Fellowship at Aga Khan University, East Africa, is the first of its kind in the region, offering advanced clinical and research training in adult medical oncology. The program aims to produce academic oncologists skilled in evidence-based cancer care, research, and leadership to improve oncology services in sub-Saharan Africa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent degree.

• Master’s degree in Medicine or equivalent postgraduate qualification.

• Registration with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council or equivalent body in the applicant’s home country.

• Minimum of four years of post-internship experience.

Funding Details:

• Duration: Three years.

• Fellows receive comprehensive clinical training in inpatient and outpatient oncology, with rotations in hematology, radiation oncology, supportive and palliative care, and elective opportunities locally or abroad.

• Includes on-call duties, academic activities (tumor boards, journal clubs), and structured research rotations in the Cancer Research Unit (CRU).

• Fellows must publish at least two peer-reviewed research papers during training.

• Successful completion leads to the award of “Clinical Fellow in Medical Oncology” from Aga Khan University.

Deadline:

• Applications close on October 31, 2025.

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Email: [email protected]

4. International Surgical Oncology Global Cancer Research and Training Fellowship

The one-year International Surgical Oncology Global Cancer Disparities Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) trains fully qualified surgeons to lead multimodality cancer therapy programs and address cancer disparities in both high- and low-income countries. The program provides extensive clinical and research experience in collaboration with MSK’s global partners in Africa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be graduates of an accredited U.S. or foreign medical school.

• Completion of a general surgery residency program by the start of the fellowship.

• U.S. residents may apply in their 4th year of residency to begin after graduation.

• Successful completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2CK, and 2CS (or equivalent exams).

• Valid ECFMG certification (if applicable).

• Demonstrated interest in surgical oncology and global cancer disparities.

• Non-U.S. applicants must certify intent to return to their home country after training.

Funding Details:

• Program length: One year.

• Fellows spend 3 months each on MSK’s breast and colorectal services, 3 months on clinical research/elective rotations, and 6 months at MSK’s partner sites in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania.

• Research activities include retrospective and prospective studies on cancer in low- and middle-income countries, grant proposal writing, and conference abstract submissions.

• Salary and benefits are provided according to postgraduate training level.

• Mentorship from MSK faculty and collaboration with the African Research Group for Oncology (ARGO).

Deadline:

• Applications accepted between October 31 and December 1.

Where To Go For Further Information:

Program details.

5.RFA: Cancer Health Research Centers

The American Cancer Society’s CHERC program funds coordinated, community-engaged research centers to reduce local and regional cancer health inequities through actionable, solution-focused projects across the cancer continuum.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Independent researchers at eligible U.S. academic institutions or nonprofits.

• PI with a strong track record in cancer health equity (funding, mentorship, publications, leadership).

• Prior CHERC awardees may submit one competitive renewal.

• Applicants from underrepresented groups and MSIs encouraged.

Funding Details:

• Total Budget: 4.07M USD over 4 years (3.7M USD direct + 10% indirect) per Center.

• Flexible mix of CHERC Supportive Core and research subawards.

• Subawards may include:

  • Clinician Scientist Development Grants (CSDG): $135,000/year (3–4 years).

  • Research Scholar Grants (RSG): $215,000/year (4 years).

• Postdocs not funded as standalone PFs within CHERC; may be included as project personnel.

• Strong community engagement and a Supportive Core (methods, mentoring, pilots, dissemination) required.

Deadline:

• Winter Cycle (resubmissions only): Applications due December 1; Anticipated start October 1.

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Program contact: Dr. Joanne Elena at [email protected].

6. International Surgical Oncology Fellowship

A one-year surgical fellowship dedicated to training international surgeons in the multidisciplinary management of solid tumors, with the goal of returning graduates to faculty roles with focused surgical oncology expertise.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Graduate of a recognized non-U.S. or Canadian medical school and completion of a general surgery residency program

• If in final residency year: letter from Program Director confirming good standing and on-time graduation

• Fluent in English

• USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 completed

• ECFMG full certification

• Program supports J-1 visa sponsorship (H-1B not supported)

Funding Details:

• Duration: 1 year (start date August 1, 2026)

• Visa: J-1 sponsorship available

• Stipend/Salary: Not specified by the program

• Training Scope: Multidisciplinary exposure to advanced surgical oncology techniques and care pathways

Deadline:

• Applications Accepted: August 1, 2025 – October 31, 2025

• Virtual Interviews: November 2025

• Decision: December 2025

• Fellowship Start Date: August 1, 2026

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Submit complete application packets by email to the Program Coordinator at [email protected].

7. Clinical Research Training Fellowships

The CRUK Cambridge Centre invites applications for up to three Clinical Research Training Fellowships (CRTFs) starting in 2026. These prestigious fellowships provide outstanding clinicians with the opportunity to undertake a full-time, three-year PhD at the University of Cambridge, combining world-class research with clinical practice. Fellows will benefit from mentorship by leading academics, access to cutting-edge facilities, and integration within a dynamic interdisciplinary cancer research community.

Eligibility criteria:

• Applicants must be clinicians (UK or overseas) with strong research potential and a commitment to an academic career.

• Must be eligible for full GMC registration to practise in the UK.

• Overseas applicants are welcome but may need to self-fund the fee difference between international and UK student rates (approx. GBP 28,980 per year if ineligible for the reduced staff fee).

• Candidates must meet the University of Cambridge admission requirements for PhD registration.

• A demonstrated interest in translational or clinical cancer research is required.

Funding Details:

• Duration: 3 years (full-time PhD).

• Coverage: Clinical salary, University Composition Fees (Home rate), and research support.

• Fellows are embedded within University departments, CRUK-affiliated labs, and research institutes across the Cambridge Biomedical Campus.

• Fellows will gain access to industry partnerships, workshops, lectures, and cross-disciplinary collaborationswithin the Cambridge ecosystem.

Deadline:

• Application deadline: 18 November 2025

• Interviews: Week commencing 5 January 2026 (likely online)

• Results notification: February 2026

• Formal offers issued: April 2026

Where To Go For Further Information:

Program details.

8.Global Breast Cancer Fellowship

The University of Minnesota Global Breast Cancer Fellowship is the only U.S.-based fellowship dedicated to training physicians from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in multidisciplinary breast cancer care. The program equips fellows with advanced clinical, surgical, and research expertise to improve breast cancer outcomes in their home communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be a citizen of a low- or middle-income country as defined by the World Bank.

• Must have completed a residency in general surgery or gynecology.

• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.

• Must be willing to live in the United States for up to one year.

• Must be able to secure a U.S. visa.

• Must have passing scores for USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 (required; Step 3 not required).

Funding Details:

• Fellowship duration: August 3, 2026 – July 30, 2027.

• Fellows receive a comprehensive stipend package with benefits covering living expenses and conference travel.

• Funded entirely through philanthropy, supporting health equity and global cancer education initiatives.

Deadline:

• Application Deadline: November 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST.

• Interviews: Selected candidates will be invited for Zoom interviews after the deadline.

• Final Selection: Early 2026.

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Email inquiries: [email protected]

9.Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial International Cancer Study Grants

The Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial International Cancer (YY) Study Grants, organized by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), provide established cancer researchers with the opportunity to pursue international collaborative research projects. The fellowship supports three-month visits to host institutions abroad to promote global exchange of skills and knowledge in cancer research and to advance worldwide cancer control.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must hold a PhD (or equivalent) awarded at least two years before September 15, 2025.

• Open to cancer researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health professionals from any country.

• Applicants and host institutions must be in different countries.

• Projects must focus on cancer research (basic, translational, clinical, or public health).

• Clinical training, observerships, or attendance at conferences are not eligible.

• Applicants must show a record of peer-reviewed cancer research publications.

• Previous UICC fellows may apply only if one year has passed since their last fellowship began and they are members of the Association of UICC Fellows (AUF).

Funding Details:

• Provides up to USD 10,000 for a three-month visit.

• Funding covers travel and living expenses only (not internal travel, visas, insurance, or dependents).

• Fellowships must last approximately three consecutive months.

• Recipients must return to their home institution after completion and submit a report within one month.

Deadline:

• Applications Close: November 17, 2025 (midnight CET)

• Notification of Results: January 2026

• Project Start Date: 2026 (at least 60 days after call closure)

Where To Go For Further Information:

• Program details.
• Email: [email protected]

10. ESGO Travelling Fellowship

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) Travelling Fellowship supports gynaecologic oncologists in gaining hands-on experience and training at ESGO-accredited institutions outside their home country. The fellowship promotes international collaboration, exchange of techniques, and improved standards of patient care across Europe.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must hold active ESGO membership at the time of application and during the fellowship.

• Must have an invitation from an ESGO-accredited host institution.

• Must have held a junior position (≤5 years) at their home institution.

• Applicants must commit to return to their home country after completion of the fellowship.

• Must speak and understand English or the language of the host institution.

• May apply multiple times but can receive the fellowship only once.

Funding Details:

• 1,500 EUR for one month
• 2,000 EUR for two months (paid in two instalments)
• The final 500 EUR is released after submission and approval of a fellowship report (minimum 500 words) with photo documentation.

Deadline:

• Applications close: December 12, 2025

• Notification of results: January 15, 2026

• Fellowship period: February – December 2026

Where To go for further information:

Program details.

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