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Established in 1987, the NCI Cancer Prevention Fellowship Program (CPFP) supports postdoctoral fellows from diverse fields for up to four years of mentored research and career development, including a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree for those without prior public health training. The program accepts U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible international applicants from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The CPFP provides up to four years of support at the NCI for postdoctoral researchers to advance their scientific expertise in cancer prevention and transition toward research independence. During this period, CPFP fellows conduct hypothesis-driven studies focused on cancer risk reduction, early detection, and population health under the guidance of an experienced mentor, while defining and executing an individualized career development plan that includes advanced training, interdisciplinary skill acquisition, and professional development. CPFP emphasizes the integration of rigorous prevention science and population science to strengthen fellow publication records, expand capabilities in areas such as research translation, clinical research, and implementation science, and position fellows competitively for independent research roles. CPFP fellows build the foundation necessary for a successful transition to an academic, government, or industry position leading innovative cancer prevention programs.
Why choose CPFP for a Fellowship?
The NCI is one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions and the largest single funder of cancer research. CPFP fellows have the freedom to choose what prevention research they want to do at NCI and who they want to mentor them. NCI brings together experts in epidemiology, prevention, basic science, clinical trials, behavioral science, and implementation science, allowing fellows to collaborate across disciplines and develop a broad, integrative research portfolio.
NCI is a global leader in prevention and public health. CPFP fellows gain insight into how research informs national cancer prevention strategies, guidelines, and funding priorities. This exposure is valuable for understanding the potential for discoveries to have translational or population-level impact.
Upon completion of their fellowship, CPFP fellows join a network of program alumni working in cancer centers, universities, government agencies, research firms, policy organizations, and in clinical practice.
CPFP Timeline
- Application Cycle Opens
May 4, 2026 - Application Due Date
Aug 6, 2026 - Reference Letter Due Date
Aug 13, 2026
- Competitive stipends, relocation expenses, health insurance benefits, and travel allowances
- Support for up to four years, including a sponsored Master of Public Health (MPH) for domestic fellows without prior public health training
- Fellow autonomy to define their research directions, choose their mentors, and cultivate independent skills
- A cohort model of postdoctoral training following a structured, community-based approach where fellows from diverse fields begin and progress through training together
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 Center for Global Health (CGH), Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) and the Division of Cancer Control and Population Science (DCCPS).
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 Division of Cancer Prevention (DCP) aims to identify, develop, and implement evidence-based strategies to prevent cancer, detect it early, and reduce its burden through innovative scientific approaches, clinical trials, and biomarker discovery. To accomplish this, DCP supports clinical trials, population science, and laboratory investigations, community and multidisciplinary teams, and collaborative scientific networks.
The DCP holds data and resources for investigations into cancer prevention, interception, screening and early detection, and symptom science.
DCP postdoctoral fellows work with a mentoring scientist on research projects in one or more of the division’s research areas. Scientists within DCP are located at the Shady Grove (Rockville) campus. For additional information about DCP, visit https://
The Center for Global Health (CGH) supports NCI's mission to improve cancer control worldwide. CGH contributes by advancing global cancer research and training and coordinating NCI engagement in global cancer control. CGH also represents NCI in international research partnerships, playing a key role in coordinating multinational research efforts for global benefit.
Fellows can expect to work on specific research projects, gaining valuable experience and establishing meaningful connections in the field of cancer research. Fellows will support strategic communications projects across the Center with a focus on communications planning and implementation, website management, and social media strategy to increase access to NCI research resources for global audiences.