GLOBAL SCHOLAR-IN-TRAINING AWARDS: ANNUAL MEETING

The AACR is pleased to offer the Global Scholar-in-Training Awards (GSITA) to eligible early-career investigators conducting research in countries building cancer research capacities who wish to participate in the AACR Annual Meeting. 

These awards are intended to enhance the education, training, and professional network of scientists in these countries who are engaged in basic, clinical, translational, or epidemiological cancer research.

Application

Applicants will be asked to submit: 

• The title, body and control number of the abstract submitted to the AACR Annual Meeting via the online abstract submission process.
• A Biosketch.
• A personal statement that describes their background, field of study, current research, work setting and long-term career aspirations; how they would benefit from participating in the Annual Meeting; and in what ways they would share the knowledge gained with their local research community or home institution.
• A completed Institution Certification Form uploaded as a PDF to their MyAACR GSITA application.   

Application Deadlines

GSITA applications are open through November 18, 2025 (1:00 p.m. ET deadline)

Please note that the GSITA application requires the abstract control number created when applicants initiate an online abstract submission for the AACR Annual Meeting. Please have this number available when you begin your application. 

To be considered for the award, all sections of the application must be completed and submitted by the deadline. Applicants who have difficulty meeting the abstract fee or sponsor requirement may contact [email protected] for assistance.

Apply for a Global Scholar-in-Training Award

Eligibility

• Applicants must currently be residing and conducting research in a Global Scholar-in-Training Award eligible country at the time of the AACR Annual Meeting 2026. Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply, provided they meet this requirement. Applicants who are currently 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 who are completing a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or other 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 English (writing and speaking).
• Applicants cannot be employees or subcontractors of for-profit private industry.
• Applicants must be a Student or Associate Member of the AACR in good standing (membership current through 2025). Nonmembers who wish to apply for a Global Scholar-in-Training Award will be asked to submit a Membership Application Form by October 21, 2025 in order to obtain membership in time to submit an application for the Global Scholar-in-Training Award.
• Previous Global Scholar-in-Training Award and African Cancer Research Travel Award recipients are not eligible.  
• Applicants may apply for other travel awards, but may not receive more than one award from the AACR to attend the Annual Meeting.

Selection of Award Recipients

Recipients of this merit-based award will be selected based on the quality of their personal statement, their overall eligibility, accomplishments and importance of this award in benefiting their career and institution. 

Award recipients will be notified by email in January 2026.

View the 2025 Global Scholar-in-Training Award recipients

Conditions and logistics

The Global Scholar-in-Training Awards are to be used to offset a portion of the travel and subsistence expenses incurred to attend the AACR Annual Meeting.

The travel award includes complimentary airfare, registration and housing to the Annual Meeting, and 750 USD toward the cost of meals and other expenses.

Awardees will participate in a series of events before, during, and after the Annual Meeting. Following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, award recipients also will have the opportunity to participate in a special networking event and tour state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at a leading academic institution.

• Award money will be handed out upon landing at the Annual Meeting in the form of a gift card.
• Travel arrangements will be made by the AACR.
• Hotel accommodations at a pre-selected hotel will be reserved for recipients and paid for by the AACR.
• A complimentary registration to attend the Annual Meeting will be processed by the AACR.
• Awardees are required to attend the entire Annual Meeting and participate in all activities organized for the GSITA recipients. This includes an informal interview with the AACR staff at the Annual Meeting, and the visit to the local institution following the conclusion of the Annual Meeting.
• Awardees will be asked to provide structured feedback about the program via an online survey after they return to their institutions or local research settings.
• If an awardee is unable to attend the Annual Meeting, the award must be forfeited. An awardee who cancels their participation in the Annual Meeting is financially responsible for any costs incurred.

Contact Information

If you have any questions related to the Global Scholar-in-Training Awards, please contact [email protected].