AACR on Campus (AACRoC) is a global outreach initiative that brings cutting‑edge, locally relevant insights in cancer research to early‑career scientists and clinicians at academic institutions and cancer centers worldwide. The program also provides targeted professional development in manuscript writing, scientific communication, research integrity, networking, and career advancement.

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is proud to partner with the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Stellenbosch University (SU) to host AACR on Campus South Africa (Cape Town & Stellenbosch), taking place January 25–29, 2027.

Key Dates

• August 7, 2026: Early Bird Registration and Abstract Submission Open
• September 18, 2026: Abstract Submission Deadline
• November 20, 2026: Early Bird Registration Deadline
• November 30, 2026: Final Registration Deadline

Program Overview

AACR on Campus South Africa (Cape Town & Stellenbosch) offers a dynamic, week‑long program designed to support scientific exchange and professional growth for early‑career cancer researchers and clinical professionals across South Africa and the region. The program spans 1.5 days in Cape Town and 1.5 days in Stellenbosch, centered on the theme: “Partners in Progress: Advancing Cancer Research in Africa”, Sessions will highlight the unique cancer research landscape, treatment challenges, and care innovations across South Africa and neighboring countries. Core scientific topics include Genomic analysis of cancers, Microbiome and cancer, Cancer immunotherapy, and Cancer Prevention, Population Health, and Health Systems Approaches to Infection-Associated Cancers.

Scientific sessions will be complemented by professional development workshops on Abstract Writing and Scholarly Publishing Scientific Articles, Successful Grantsmanship and Grants Administration, and poster competitions. A Best Poster Prize will be awarded at each location, with winners receiving USD $2,500 to support attendance at the AACR Annual Meeting.

Through this blend of scientific exchange and skills training, AACR on Campus South Africa (Cape Town & Stellenbosch) aims to empower the next generation of cancer researchers and strengthen cancer research capacity across the region.

REGISTRATION

AACR on Campus South Africa (UCT, Cape Town): January 25-26, 2027
Program Details Available soon.
Applications open August 7, 2026 | Deadline: November 30, 2026.

AACR on Campus South Africa (SU, Stellenbosch): January 28-29, 2027
Program Details Available soon.
Applications open August 7, 2026 | Deadline: November 30, 2026.

AACR SPEAKERS

Jeffrey N. Weitzel, MD, FACMG, the Kansas University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
Abigail E. Overacre-Delgoffe, PhD, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Jedd D. Wolchok, MD, PhD, the Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
Rosemary Rochford, PhD, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA

UCT Speakers

Professor Sharon Prince, Department of Human Biology, Division of Cell Biology
Professor Collet Dandara, Department of Pathology, Division of Human Genetics
Professor Jonathan Blackburn, Institute of Infectious Diseases & Molecular Medicine, Chemical and Systems Biology

SU Speakers

Professor Jo-Ann Passmore, Centre For Epidemic Response and Innovation
Professor Hennie Botha, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Professor Vernon Louw, Department of Medicine