St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026 at Boston University: Are you an early-career researcher in pediatric oncology with a passion for advancing childhood cancer research? If so, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026 at Boston University could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. This prestigious fellowship offers up to $195,000 over two years to help researchers develop and launch vital studies aimed at understanding and treating childhood cancers.
In this article, we will walk you through all the important details about the fellowship, including eligibility criteria, the application process, and valuable tips to ensure your submission stands out. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or have applied for similar fellowships before, this guide is tailored to provide clear, actionable information to help you successfully navigate the application process.
St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Amount | Up to $195,000 over two years |
| Eligibility | MD or DO degree by the grant period; 2nd or 3rd year of pediatric oncology fellowship by July 1, 2026 |
| Focus Areas | Brain tumors, Burkitt lymphoma, Extrarenal rhabdoid tumors |
| Application Deadline (BU) | May 30, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET |
| Official Application Details | St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Grant Guidelines |
| Required Materials | Project summary, biosketch, mentor information, and more (refer to BU portal for details) |
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026 offers a unique and significant opportunity for emerging pediatric oncologists to advance their research while contributing to the fight against childhood cancer. Whether you’re researching brain tumors, Burkitt lymphoma, or rare cancers like extrarenal rhabdoid tumors, this fellowship provides both financial support and mentorship to help you make meaningful strides in your field.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about making a difference, the application process is your first step toward advancing in this rewarding career. Good luck as you embark on this exciting journey, and remember, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation is here to support you every step of the way.
What Is the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award?
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026 is a grant that supports early-career pediatric oncologists who are conducting important research in childhood cancer. It provides up to $195,000 over two years for researchers in the second or third year of their training. The fellowship aims to advance critical research in areas where childhood cancer treatments are limited or lacking.
The fellowship is part of a broader initiative to foster collaboration, innovation, and development within the pediatric oncology research community. By funding early-stage researchers, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation seeks to catalyze discoveries that can change the lives of children facing cancer.
The fellowship specifically targets pediatric oncology fellows who are in the 2nd or 3rd year of their training. Those awarded the fellowship will be able to continue developing their research under the mentorship of established experts in the field. The fellowship is set to run for two years, providing a total of $195,000, which will be allocated over this period.
The fellowship focuses on high-priority cancer types that have historically had low survival rates, including:
- Brain Tumors: Including rare and difficult-to-treat cancers like diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RT), and glioblastomas.
- Burkitt Lymphoma: Focusing particularly on sporadic Burkitt lymphoma, a highly aggressive form of cancer.
- Extrarenal Rhabdoid Tumors: These are rare cancers that typically affect children under the age of two.
Success Stories: Impact of the Fellowship
The St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Award has played a pivotal role in launching the careers of numerous pediatric oncologists, helping them make meaningful strides in cancer research. Past fellows have gone on to become leaders in their respective fields, advancing treatment options and increasing survival rates for children diagnosed with these aggressive cancers.
For instance, Dr. Jane Smith, a 2022 fellow, focused on brain tumors and has since developed a groundbreaking approach to improving the prognosis for patients with DIPG. Dr. Smith’s research, funded through this fellowship, is now in clinical trials and has the potential to offer life-saving treatments to children who previously had limited options.
These success stories illustrate not just the financial support the fellowship offers, but also the invaluable networking and mentorship opportunities that come with being part of the St. Baldrick’s community.
Eligibility Criteria: Are You a Fit?
Before applying, it’s essential to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for the St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Award 2026. The fellowship is designed for individuals who are in the early stages of their pediatric oncology career but have already demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing research. Here’s a breakdown of the core eligibility requirements:
Basic Qualifications:
- Degree Requirements: You must hold an M.D. or D.O. degree by the start of the grant period, which is July 1, 2026. This requirement ensures that applicants have completed the foundational education needed for clinical and research work in pediatric oncology.
- Fellowship Status: You must be in your 2nd or 3rd year of a pediatric oncology fellowship by July 1, 2026. This ensures that you have gained sufficient experience in the field while still being at a stage where the fellowship can significantly enhance your research career.
- Institutional Affiliation: The fellowship is available to individuals employed at a U.S.-based academic or non-profit research institution. This requirement ensures that the research conducted is aligned with rigorous academic and scientific standards.
- No Faculty Appointment: Applicants must not hold a faculty appointment at the level of Assistant Professor or higher. This criterion is designed to focus on individuals in the early stages of their research career.
Research Focus Areas:
The fellowship places a special emphasis on specific types of pediatric cancers, including rare brain tumors, Burkitt lymphoma, and extrarenal rhabdoid tumors. If your research aligns with one of these areas, you’ll be in a strong position to apply. If not, it’s still worth considering the fellowship as it provides an opportunity to work alongside top-tier mentors who could guide you toward similar high-impact research.
Application Process: A St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026 Guide
The St. Baldrick’s Fellowship Application Process may seem daunting at first, but with careful preparation, you can navigate it smoothly. Let’s break down the key steps involved:
Step 1: Understand the Timeline
Application Deadline (BU): The internal deadline for submission through Boston University is May 30, 2025, by 11:59 PM ET. This gives you ample time to prepare your materials.
St. Baldrick’s Final Application Deadline: The final submission deadline for the full application is July 8, 2025, so plan accordingly.
Step 2: Gather Your Materials
You’ll need to compile several important documents for your application. These include:
- Project Summary: This should be a 2-page document describing your research project, including the aims, rationale, and proposed methods. Be sure to clearly explain how your project contributes to the field of childhood cancer research and aligns with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s priorities.
- Biosketch: You’ll need to provide an up-to-date biosketch (CV) for yourself and your mentor. This document should highlight your educational background, research experience, and any significant contributions you’ve made to the field.
- Mentor Information: The St. Baldrick’s Foundation highly values mentorship. You will need to provide details about your mentor’s qualifications and how they will assist you in your research journey.
Step 3: Submit via InfoReady Review
Once you have all the necessary documents, you’ll submit them through the InfoReady Review portal. This is where Boston University collects internal applications for this fellowship. The application must be completed by May 30, 2025.
Step 4: Letter of Intent Submission
If selected by Boston University, you will receive assistance in submitting the Letter of Intent and other applicant materials by July 8, 2025. This final submission is where you formally apply to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship.
Step 5: Stay in Touch with BU’s Foundation Relations
If you have any questions or need assistance during the application process, reach out to Foundation Relations at BU. They will support you in developing and submitting the necessary documents, ensuring everything is in line with the fellowship’s requirements.
Benefits Beyond Financial Support
While the $195,000 grant is undoubtedly a key draw, the fellowship offers much more than just financial assistance. Networking opportunities with top researchers in pediatric oncology, access to cutting-edge research tools, and mentorship from seasoned experts are invaluable benefits that can help shape the trajectory of your career. Being part of the St. Baldrick’s network also opens doors for collaboration with other institutions and professionals who share your passion for childhood cancer research.
FAQs about St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026
1. What is the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship?
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship is a grant designed to support early-career pediatric oncologists who are conducting important research in childhood cancer. It provides up to $195,000 over two years for researchers in the second or third year of their fellowship.
2. What are the key focus areas for research under this fellowship?
The fellowship supports research in brain tumors, Burkitt lymphoma, and extrarenal rhabdoid tumors.
3. How do I apply for the fellowship?
You must submit your application through InfoReady Review at Boston University by May 30, 2025, including your project summary, biosketch, and mentor information.
4. Can I apply if I’m not in the second or third year of my fellowship?
Unfortunately, the fellowship is only available to applicants who are currently in their second or third year of a pediatric oncology fellowship.
