Boston University Fellowship: When it comes to advancing pediatric oncology research, the St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Award stands out as one of the most respected grants in the field. Boston University Fellowship applicants eyeing this prestigious opportunity must follow a well-structured process to increase their chances of success. This guide provides a professional yet easy-to-follow breakdown of how to apply for the St. Baldrick’s Award, including eligibility, deadlines, and application steps.
By the end of this article, you will understand not only how to apply for this fellowship but also what makes it an incredible career step in the field of childhood cancer research.
Boston University Fellowship
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award |
| Affiliated University | Boston University |
| Application Deadline | Internal Deadline: May 30, 2025 LOI: July 8, 2025 Full App: Aug/Sep 2025 |
| Funding Amount | Up to $97,500 per year (Salary + Fringe only) |
| Duration | 2 years (potential 3rd year extension) |
| Eligibility | Pediatric oncology fellows in 2nd/3rd year, U.S. institution, mentored by approved program faculty |
| Official Website | St. Baldrick’s Foundation |
The St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Award is more than just a grant; it’s a powerful stepping stone in the fight against childhood cancer. With Boston University’s internal support and a structured application process, aspiring pediatric oncology researchers have a clear path to make meaningful scientific contributions.
If you’re serious about advancing your career while making a tangible difference in children’s lives, don’t miss this opportunity. Start preparing your application today!
What is the St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Award?
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award is a competitive grant designed to support early-career pediatric oncology researchers. The goal is to encourage innovative research that will lead to better treatments and cures for childhood cancers.
This fellowship provides up to $97,500 annually to cover the salary and fringe benefits of the recipient. It supports those in the second or third year of their pediatric oncology fellowship, giving them the freedom to focus on meaningful, potentially breakthrough research.
Fun Fact: The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is known for its unique head-shaving events, raising millions to fund childhood cancer research!
Why Should You Apply?
Whether you’re a medical researcher, pediatric oncologist in training, or academic mentor, the St. Baldrick’s Fellowship provides significant benefits:
- Prestige and recognition within the medical and research community
- Financial support to enable full-time focus on research
- Professional growth under the guidance of a senior mentor
- Access to a vast network of like-minded researchers and institutions
- Potential for future grants and academic advancement
In short, this award can accelerate your academic and research career in pediatric oncology.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility criteria ensure that only qualified and committed individuals apply. Here are the major requirements:
- Degree: M.D. or D.O. by the start of the fellowship
- Training Status: In your 2nd or 3rd year of a pediatric oncology fellowship by July 1, 2026
- Institution: Must be employed at a U.S. academic, nonprofit, or research institution
- Mentorship: You need a mentor affiliated with a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology program approved by the American Board of Pediatrics
- Academic Title: You cannot hold an assistant professor or higher title
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is not required
- Institutional Support: Your institution must not promote fundraising events competing with St. Baldrick’s
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1 – Internal Submission at Boston University
Boston University applicants must first pass an internal review. Submit the following to the BU InfoReady Review portal by May 30, 2025:
- Short written responses to application questions
- A 2-page summary of your project (include aims, rationale, methods)
- NIH-style biosketch for both applicant and mentor
BU will select the final nominee, as only one new application per institution is allowed annually.
Step 2 – Submit Your Letter of Intent (LOI)
Via ProposalCentral, submit your LOI by July 8, 2025. Include:
- Title and scope of your research
- Fit with St. Baldrick’s mission
- Brief timeline (include a Gantt chart)
- Confirmation of internal approval from Boston University
Approved applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal.
Step 3 – Full Application Submission
Final applications (late August to early September 2025) must include:
- Detailed research proposal
- Budget and justification (for salary and fringe only)
- Letters of recommendation and institutional support
- IRB/IACUC approvals, if applicable
Carefully follow all instructions provided by St. Baldrick’s via ProposalCentral.
What Can the Fellowship Be Used For?
Here’s what you can use the award for:
- Salary support for research time only
- Fringe benefits
And here’s what it cannot be used for:
- Clinical responsibilities
- Lab supplies or travel
- Indirect or overhead costs
- Human embryonic stem cell research
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing internal deadlines: Institutions enforce strict internal timelines.
- Weak mentorship structure: A well-documented and experienced mentor is essential.
- Generic research objectives: Tailor your proposal specifically to pediatric oncology.
- Ignoring guidelines: Follow all formatting, content, and ethical research requirements strictly.
FAQs about Boston University Fellowship
1. Who can I contact for questions?
Email grants@stbaldricks.org or contact BU’s Office of Research.
2. Can I reapply if not selected?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to revise and resubmit in subsequent years.
3. Can international researchers apply?
Yes, as long as they are employed at a U.S.-based research or academic institution.
4. How competitive is the fellowship?
Very competitive. Only one nominee per institution is accepted each cycle, making internal selection crucial.
5. Is there flexibility in funding usage?
No. Funds are strictly for salary and fringe benefits of the fellow.
