In This Section

Global Scholar-in-Training Awards

GLOBAL SCHOLAR-IN-TRAINING AWARDS (AACR GSITA)

The AACR Global Scholar-in-Training Awards (GSITA) program supports eligible early-career investigators conducting cancer research in countries that are strengthening their cancer research capacity by providing opportunities to participate in the AACR Annual Meeting.

AACR-Amgen GLOBAL SCHOLAR-IN-TRAINING AWARDS (AACR-Amgen GSITA)

Early this year, AACR expanded its commitment to supporting the next generation of cancer researchers in Africa through the launch of the AACR-Amgen Global Scholar-in-Training Award (AACR-Amgen GSITA) program. This new initiative provides additional opportunities for eligible African cancer researchers to attend the AACR Annual Meeting and participate in the African Organisation for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC) International Conference.

These awards are designed to enhance the education, training, and professional development of scientists engaged in basic, clinical, translational, and epidemiological cancer research. By fostering access to leading scientific meetings and global networks, the programs support continued engagement in cancer research, leadership development, and regional and international collaboration.

Application

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

To be considered, eligible 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
    – Your educational and professional background, field of study and current research activities
    – Current work setting and long-term career goals
    – How participation in the AACR Annual Meeting will support your professional development
    – How you plan to share the knowledge and experience gained with your 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.   

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.

Please note that the AACR Global Scholar-in-Training Award (AACR GSITA) and the AACR-Amgen Global Scholar-in-Training Award (AACR-Amgen GSITA) applications require 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 GSITA and the AACR-Amgen GSITA, all sections of the application must be completed and submitted by the deadline. 

Please note that applicants must include the abstract control number generated during the AACR Annual Meeting abstract submission process. This control number becomes available once an abstract submission has been initiated and is required to complete the AACR GSITA and AACR-Amgen GSITA applications. 

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 currently be residing and conducting research in a Global Scholar-in-Training Award eligible country at the time of the AACR Annual Meeting. 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 2026). Nonmembers who wish to apply for a Global Scholar-in-Training Award will be asked to submit a Membership Application Form by the October deadline in order to obtain membership in time to submit an application for the Global Scholar-in-Training Award.
  • Previous AACR-GSITAs, AACR-Amgen GSITAs, 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 were 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 are notified by email in January.

View the 2026 Global Scholar-in-Training Award recipients

Conditions and logistics

The AACR Global Scholar-in-Training Award (GSITA) and AACR-Amgen Global Scholar-in-Training Award (AACR-Amgen GSITA) are intended to help offset travel and subsistence costs associated with attending the AACR Annual Meeting and, for AACR-Amgen GSITA recipients, 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

In addition to attending the scientific sessions of the Annual Meeting, award recipients participate in a series of professional development and networking activities before, during, and after the meeting. Following the Annual Meeting, recipients may also have the opportunity to attend a special networking event and tour state-of-the-art research facilities at a leading academic institution.

  • Award stipends are distributed upon arrival at the AACR Annual Meeting in the form of a gift card.
  • Travel arrangements are coordinated by AACR through its designated Corporate Traveler agency.
  • Hotel accommodations at a designated AACR-selected hotel are reserved and paid for by AACR.
  • Complimentary registration for the AACR Annual Meeting is provided and processed by AACR.
  • Recipients are required to attend the full Annual Meeting and participate in all GSITA program activities. This includes 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 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 aim to support the professional growth of early-career cancer researchers while fostering lasting scientific collaborations and global engagement in cancer research.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the AACR GSITA or AACR-Amgen GSITA programs, please contact us at [email protected].