Program Description

Preventing cancer is one of the most important scientific and public health aims for the 21st Century. To achieve that goal, the Nation needs leaders: scientists and health professionals trained in the principles and practice of cancer prevention and control.

Founded in 1987, the NCI Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) provides its fellows an opportunity to develop an independent research program in cancer prevention. The centerpiece of the program is mentored, multidisciplinary research. With input from senior scientists and program staff, each fellow develops original scientific projects and reports findings at meetings and in leading journals.

The program provides:

  • Competitive stipends, relocation expenses, health insurance benefits, and travel allowances
  • Support for up to four years
  • Opportunity to earn your M.P.H., sponsored by NCI
  • Research opportunities with experienced NCI mentors
  • A cohort of fellows spanning STEM and other fields

Our program is regularly evaluated and growing. Our alumni across the country are taking the lead at cancer centers, universities, government agencies, research firms, and policy organizations, and in clinical practice. Many former fellows now act as mentors, assisting those who are following in their footsteps.

Our Goal

We are committed to providing a comprehensive postdoctoral program that is flexible enough to permit individual creativity and resourceful enough to provide opportunities for meaningful discoveries. Unlike some postdoctoral programs, our fellows have the opportunity to select their own preceptors, and develop and lead research activities based on their own interests.

World Class Training Opportunities

Research opportunities for Cancer Prevention Fellows reflect the broad origins and applications of many biomedical sciences relevant to public health and clinical medicine. The program offers opportunities for basic science laboratory studies, epidemiologic studies, intervention trials, health services research, and studies of the biological and social aspects of health behavior. Further, an initiative of the NCI and the FDA allows fellows to apply research in drugs, biologics, medical devices, and other areas to the field of cancer prevention.

We encourage you to learn more about the unique features of the CPFP through testimonials from current fellows and alumni by viewing this short video.

On behalf of all of us who are committed to eliminating death and suffering from cancer—patients, physicians and nurses, researchers, other scientists, and the general public—we urge you to join us in this endeavor. Please read the eligibility requirements and submit your application. We look forward to hearing from you.