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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.
NCI is committed to training the next generation of scientific leaders, and it is crucial that these scholars reflect the diversity of the population we serve. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented populations in biomedical research to submit applications. The Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) contributes to this mission by providing a comprehensive postdoctoral program that is flexible enough to permit individual creativity and resourceful enough to provide opportunities for meaningful discoveries. CPFP fellows have the opportunity to select their own preceptors, and develop and lead research activities based on their own interests. For additional details, please visit the CPFP homepage.
Feb 27, 2024 CPFP Pre-Application Webinar recording
Why choose CPFP for a Fellowship?
The Cancer Prevention fellowship is an opportunity to spend up to four years conducting full-time research at the NCI. NCI offers competitive stipends that are determined by the applicant's degree and years of relevant postdoctoral experience. Stipend levels increase with the number of years of postdoctoral experience. Annual increases may be given. Specialty allowances may also be given for specialized training in epidemiology and/or biostatistics. Stipends are subject to change depending on Federal guidelines and funding availability.
Founded in 1987, the 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. 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.
CPFP Timeline
- Application Cycle Opens
May 1, 2024 - Application Due Date
Aug 1, 2024 - Reference Letter Due Date
Aug 8, 2024 - Program Interviews
Late-Oct, 2024
- 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
Learn more about the research
The NCI is comprised of two components: intramural and extramural. The Intramural Research Program (IRP) supports projects conducted by scientists located at NCI whereas extramural refers to grants and contracts provided to other institutions. The majority of training opportunities can be found within the IRP, which includes the Center for Cancer Research (CCR) and the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG). Additional opportunities can be found in select extramural divisions, including but not limited to the Division of Cancer Control and Population Science (DCCPS) and the Center for Global Health (CGH).
The Center for Cancer Research (CCR) is home to more than 250 scientists and clinicians leading intramural research at NCI. CCR is organized into over 50 branches and laboratories, each one grouping scientists with complementary interests. CCR's investigators are basic, clinical, and translational scientists who work together to advance our knowledge of cancer and AIDS and to develop new therapies against these diseases. CCR investigators collaborate with scientists at the more than 20 other Institutes and Centers of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as well as with extramural scientists in academia and industry.
CCR is committed to supporting and training the next generation of cancer researchers, helping launch careers in basic/translational and clinical cancer research. The CCR and NCI offer a research environment that is second-to-none in quality of science and quality of life. All fellowships are intended to increase the number of scientists and physicians who specialize in basic, translational, or clinical biomedical research. Fellows will receive strong mentoring, work with multidisciplinary teams, and have access to world class technology, as well as over 40 cores and other resources.
Investigators within CCR are located on the Bethesda or the Frederick campuses. For additional information about research at CCR, please visit https://ccr.cancer.gov/
The Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics (DCEG) conducts population and multidisciplinary research to discover the genetic and environmental determinants of cancer and new approaches to cancer prevention.
DCEG's multidisciplinary research covers most types of cancer and many exposures in a variety of populations. Our cadre of in-house scientists - epidemiologists, geneticists, biostatisticians, and clinicians - form interdisciplinary teams to study complex questions. DCEG forms collaborative partnerships within the NIH/NCI intramural research program and with scientists at academic and medical institutions around the world, which enables it to carry out its research. Fellows will receive world-class training in epidemiological methods, statistical analysis, study design, genetic susceptibility, functional studies, etiology, exposure assessment, and more.
Investigators within DCEG are located at the Shady Grove (Rockville) campus. For additional information about research at DCEG, please visit https://dceg.cancer.gov/
The Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) aims to reduce risk, incidence, and deaths from cancer as well as enhance the quality of life for cancer survivors. The division conducts and supports an integrated program of the highest quality genetic, epidemiological, behavioral, social, applied, and surveillance cancer research. DCCPS-funded research aims to understand the causes and distribution of cancer in populations, support the development and delivery of effective interventions, and monitor and explain cancer trends in all segments of the population. Central to these activities is the process of synthesis and decision making that aids in evaluating what has been learned, identifying new priorities and strategies, and effectively applying research discoveries to reduce the cancer burden. Fellows will work with a mentor on research projects, literature reviews, data analyses, presentations, and/or manuscript preparation.
Scientists within DCCPS are located at the Shady Grove (Rockville) campus. For additional information about DCCPS, please visit https://
The Center for Global Health (CGH) supports the NCI mission by advancing global cancer research and coordinating NCI engagement in global cancer control. CGH implements and advances programs that strengthen NCI's existing global research portfolio, coordinates and develops research and training initiatives, and establishes and facilitates international research networks and partnerships to decrease the global burden of cancer. Fellows will support in programmatic aspects of CGH's programs, which includes but is not limited to topics such as technology and mHealth for cancer control in low- and middle-income countries, dissemination and implementation science, and behavioral research for cancer prevention.
Scientists within CGH are located at the Shady Grove (Rockville) campus. For additional information about CGH, please visit www.cancer.gov/