AACR Anna D. Barker Basic Cancer Research Fellowship
The AACR Anna D. Barker Basic Cancer Research Fellowship encourages and supports postdoctoral or clinical research fellows to establish a successful career path in cancer research.
This fellowship provides a two-year grant of $110,000 to support the salary and benefits of the fellow while working on a mentored basic cancer research project. Funds may also be designated for non-personnel expenses, such as research/laboratory supplies, equipment, publication charges for manuscripts that pertain directly to the funded project, and other research expenses.
Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format.
The research proposed for funding may be in any area of basic cancer research.
At the start of the grant term (July 1, 2026), applicants must:
- Hold a mentored research position with the title of postdoctoral fellow, clinical research fellow, or equivalent.
- If eligibility is based on a future position, the position must be confirmed at the time of submission and CANNOT be contingent upon receiving this grant.
- If the future position is at a different institution than the applicant’s current institution, the applicant must contact AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department (AACR’s RGA) at [email protected] before submitting their Letter of Intent for information on additional verification materials/signatures that may be required.
- Have completed their most recent doctoral degree within the past three years (i.e., degree cannot have been conferred before July 1, 2023; the formal date of receipt of doctoral degree is the date the degree was conferred, as indicated on their diploma and/or transcript).
- Applicants with a medical degree must have completed their most recent doctoral degree or medical residency - whichever date is later - within the past three years.
- Work under the auspices of a mentor at an academic, medical, or research institution anywhere in the world.
There are no citizenship or geographic requirements. However, by submitting a Letter of Intent for this grant, an applicant applying from an institution located in a country in which they are not a citizen or a permanent resident assures that the visa status will provide sufficient time to complete the project and grant term at the institution from which they applied.
Applicants must be AACR members in good standing (dues paid for the current year). Annual dues are not required for early-career researchers interested in Associate membership. Please be informed that no dues are required for members located in countries building cancer research capacities (view list of eligible countries here). Nonmembers interested in this grant opportunity must submit a satisfactory application for AACR membership by the Letter of Intent deadline. Nonmembers can apply for membership online. Please review the Membership Categories for the category that best fits your qualifications. Nonmembers must obtain a statement of support from a nominator who is an Active AACR member in good standing (dues paid for the current year). Nonmembers requiring assistance with finding a nominator may email [email protected] and include your geographical location to receive a list of members in your area to contact for nominations. For more information check the membership FAQ. Members can renew their membership through myAACR. You will need your logon (email address) and password to access the member portal. If you require assistance logging in, please submit a help form. Lapsed members must be members in good standing by the Letter of Intent deadline and should contact the Membership Department at [email protected] for assistance.
The AACR requires applicants to complete an online Letter of Intent submission by 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, using the ProposalCentral website.
Program Guidelines and Competitive Letter of Intent Instructions are available in PDF format.