In This Section

Global Scholar-in-Training Awards

GLOBAL SCHOLAR-IN-TRAINING AWARDS

The AACR Global Scholar-in-Training Awards (AACR GSITA) program supports eligible early-career cancer researchers conducting research in countries that are strengthening their cancer research capacity. The program provides recipients with an opportunity to attend the AACR Annual Meeting and engage with leading cancer researchers from around the world.

The AACR-Amgen Global Scholar-in-Training Awards (AACR-Amgen GSITA) program builds on this commitment by providing additional opportunities for eligible cancer researchers from Africa. Applicants from eligible African countries who submit an AACR GSITA application will automatically be considered for the AACR-Amgen GSITA. No separate application is required.

Both awards follow the same application process and eligibility requirements. The primary distinction is that, in addition to supporting attendance at the AACR Annual Meeting, the AACR-Amgen GSITA provides support for recipients to attend the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) International Conference.

Together, the AACR GSITA and AACR-Amgen GSITA programs are designed to advance the education, training, and professional development of early-career scientists engaged in basic, clinical, translational, and epidemiological cancer research. By facilitating participation in leading scientific meetings and providing access to regional and international professional networks, the programs promote scientific exchange, leadership development, and collaboration to strengthen cancer research capacity globally.

Application

The application period for the 2027 AACR-GSITA and AACR-Amgen GSITA programs will open on September 28, 2026.

Applicants submit one application through the AACR Global Scholar-in-Training Awards application process. Eligible applicants from Africa will automatically be considered for the AACR-Amgen GSITA; no additional application is required.

To be considered, applicants must submit the following materials:

  1. Abstract Information
    The title, body and control number of the abstract submitted to the AACR Annual Meeting via the online abstract submission process.
  2. Biosketch
    A completed AACR Biosketch.
  3. Personal Statement
    The personal statement should address:
    – A personal statement that describes their research areas and interests, reasons for attending this conference, and long-term career aspirations.
    – How they plan to share the knowledge and experience gained with their institution, colleagues, and local research community to help advance cancer research and training.
  4. Institution Certification Form
    A completed Institution Certification Form, uploaded as a PDF through the MyAACR GSITA application portal.

    * Please note that AACR-GSITA and/or AACR-Amgen GSITA are not available for late-breaking abstracts.   

Application Deadlines

Applications open: September 28, 2026.
Applications deadline: November 10, 2026.
Nonmembers who wish to apply for this opportunity should apply for membership at least one month prior to the November 10 application deadline to allow sufficient time for processing.

Applicants must apply through myAACR; the application will be listed under the “Applications/Awards” tab.

Nonmembers who wish to apply should submit their AACR membership application at least one month before the November 10 application deadline to allow sufficient time for membership processing.

Abstract Control Number Requirement

The AACR GSITA application requires the abstract control number generated when an applicant initiates an online abstract submission for the AACR Annual Meeting.

Applicants should have this control number available before beginning the GSITA application. The control number is generated once an abstract submission has been initiated and is required to complete the application.

Applicants from eligible African countries who meet the requirements for consideration for the AACR-Amgen GSITA will be automatically considered through the same application. A separate AACR-Amgen GSITA application is not required.

All sections of the application must be completed and submitted by the deadline to be considered.

Applicants who experience difficulties related to the abstract submission fee or sponsorship requirements are encouraged to contact [email protected] for assistance before the application deadline.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

  • Applicants must be residing in and conducting research in a Global Scholar-in-Training Award eligible country at the time of the AACR Annual Meeting. Applicants of any nationality may apply, provided they meet this requirement. Applicants who are employed or pursuing training outside an eligible country will not be considered.
  • Applicants must be the first author and presenter of an abstract submitted for presentation at the AACR Annual Meeting. Applicants must be full-time graduate students currently engaged in doctoral research, residents, clinical or postdoctoral fellows, or early-career investigators. Applicants completing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or another international undergraduate medical degree equivalent to an advanced medical degree in the United States must be Student Members in good standing. Applicants must be proficient in written and spoken English. Applicants may not be employees or subcontractors of for-profit private industry.
  • Applicants must be Student or Associate Members of the AACR in good standing, with membership current through 2026. Nonmembers who wish to apply should submit a Membership Application Form in sufficient time to obtain membership before the application deadline.
  • Previous recipients of the AACR GSITA, AACR-Amgen GSITA, or African Cancer Research Travel Award are not eligible.
  • Applicants may apply for other travel awards but may not receive more than one AACR award to attend the AACR Annual Meeting.

Selection of Award Recipients

The AACR GSITA and AACR-Amgen GSITA are merit-based awards. Applications are evaluated based on the quality of the personal statement, eligibility, accomplishments, and the potential impact of the award on the applicant’s career and home institution.

Eligible applicants from Africa are automatically considered for the AACR-Amgen GSITA through the same application submitted for the AACR GSITA.

Award recipients will be notified by email in January.

View the 2026 Global Scholar-in-Training Award recipients

Conditions and logistics

The AACR GSITA and AACR-Amgen GSITA are intended to help offset travel and subsistence expenses associated with participation in the AACR Annual Meeting. The AACR-Amgen GSITA additionally supports recipients’ participation in the AORTIC International Conference.

These awards provide comprehensive support, including:

  • Complimentary round-trip airfare
  • Complimentary AACR Annual Meeting registration
  • Hotel accommodations arranged and paid for by AACR
  • A stipend to help cover meals and other eligible travel-related expenses

Travel and Participation Requirements

All award recipients are expected to participate fully in the GSITA program and associated activities.

  • Award stipends are distributed upon arrival at the AACR Annual Meeting in the form of a gift card.
  • Travel arrangements are coordinated by AACR Corporate Traveler agency.
  • Hotel accommodations for the AACR Annual Meeting are reserved and paid for by AACR at an AACR-selected hotel for the official conference dates.
  • Complimentary registration for the AACR Annual Meeting is provided and processed by AACR.
  • Recipients are required to attend the full AACR Annual Meeting and participate in all GSITA program activities in person. These activities include an informal interview with AACR staff during the meeting and a visit to a local institution following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.
  • Recipients are expected to complete an online survey and provide structured feedback about their experience after returning to their home institution or research setting.
  • If a recipient is unable to attend the AACR Annual Meeting or fails to complete all required travel arrangements, including obtaining the necessary visa and coordinating flights with AACR’s designated corporate travel agency, at least one month prior to the start of the Annual Meeting, the award will be forfeited.
  • Recipients who cancel their participation may be held financially responsible for any nonrefundable expenses incurred on their behalf.

Through these opportunities, the AACR GSITA and AACR-Amgen GSITA programs support the professional development of early-career cancer researchers while fostering scientific exchange, leadership development, and lasting regional and international collaborations.

Contact Information

Questions regarding the AACR GSITA or AACR-Amgen GSITA programs may be directed to [email protected].