AACR John and Elizabeth Leonard Basic Cancer Research Fellowship

The AACR John and Elizabeth Leonard Basic Cancer Research Fellowship helps postdoctoral and clinical research fellows establish careers in cancer research. It provides a two-year grant of $130,000, starting 1 July 2027, for the fellow's salary and benefits while working on a mentored project in any area of basic cancer research; funds may also cover research and laboratory supplies, equipment, publication charges for project manuscripts and other research expenses. Applications begin with a competitive letter of intent submitted through ProposalCentral by 1:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time on 24 November 2026; invited full applications are due on 15 March 2027 and decisions are expected in May 2027.

At the start of the grant term (1 July 2027) applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD or equivalent) in a related field and a mentored position as postdoctoral fellow, clinical research fellow or equivalent; have completed their most recent doctorate or medical residency on or after 1 July 2024 (up to 12 months of parental or justified leave may be excepted); dedicate at least 50% effort to the project; and work under a mentor at an academic, medical or research institution anywhere in the world. Applicants cannot be candidates for a further doctoral degree, employees or subcontractors of a U.S. federal government entity or for-profit industry, concurrent AACR grantees, or hold the rank of instructor, assistant professor or higher (with an exception for some MDs). Applicants must be AACR members in good standing by the letter-of-intent deadline. There are no citizenship or geographic requirements.