CCS Research Training Awards 2024

The purpose of this funding program is to support growth and innovation in the next generation of diverse cancer researchers across Canada at the Master’s, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral levels. The Research Training Awards seek to build inclusive capacity in cancer research, and will support individuals conducting cancer related research, while fostering long term connections with Canada’s cancer research ecosystem through a combination of exposures to other disciplines, knowledge translation, engagement, and mentorship opportunities.

NEW - Full Application Guide

Full application deadline extended: March 20, 2024 by 5:00 pm EDT/EST

In Partnership With

Terry Fox Research Institute Logo  Cancer Research Society

Cancer Care Manitoba     Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Logo

Program Description

The Research Training Awards are available to individuals pursuing Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral level training at an eligible Canadian academic institution. CCS and its partners seek to support capacity in cancer research in all research pillars (i.e., biomedical; clinical; health services; and social, cultural, environmental and population health). This broad investment in the next generation is aimed at seeding the potential for future solutions and innovations in cancer research and cancer care. The Research Training Awards will support competitive, scientifically excellent applications for training in all areas of cancer research.

To address structural and systemic barriers to inclusion, and increase diverse representation in our cancer research ecosystem, we support and encourage Black and Indigenous trainees to apply at the PhD, and postdoctoral level. Other eligible scholars at the PhD, and postdoctoral level in training are welcome to apply. If a principal investigator wishes to nominate multiple candidates from Black and Indigenous backgrounds at the same level, we encourage them to reach out at research@cancer.ca.

We welcome Black and Indigenous students (only) to apply for the 2024 Master’s competition. Recognizing that Black and Indigenous trainees are not the only under-represented groups in the cancer research ecosystem, future opportunities for these awards will expand to other under-represented communities. 

*Note: The term "Black" refers to people of Black African descent, which includes those who identify as Black Africans, and those found worldwide who identify as descendants of Black African peoples in the Diaspora (1, 2, 3). The term “Indigenous” refers to people who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Innu or Métis in Canada (4, 5).

Please review the eligibility and requirements, the application guide, and the rating scales sections prior to creating an application.

Application guides can be found on the EGrAMS documentation for applicants page.

If a principal investigator wishes to nominate multiple candidates from Black and Indigenous backgrounds at the same level, we encourage them to reach out at research@cancer.ca.

Master's, PhD, and Postdoctoral Important Dates

Submission opens:
December 15th, 2023
Abstract due (non-competitive but mandatory):
January 17, 2024 (5:00 pm ET)
Full application due date:
March 20, 2024 by 5:00 pm EDT/EST
Results announcement:
End of August 2024
Anticipated start date:
September 1, 2024

Background and context

The next generation of cancer researchers is a critical component for growth and innovation in cancer research. One call to action from the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance is to develop initiatives to build a diverse cancer researcher workforce and to look for ways to improve supports offered to trainees. We are implementing  a new, holistic system of funding and support for trainees at the Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels. This opportunity will support cancer research training and foster innovation in cancer research through a comprehensive approach including mentorship, training, and knowledge-sharing.

Specific Objectives
  1. To support the next generation of cancer researchers across Canada and foster diverse, long-term connections within the cancer research ecosystem
  2. To build capacity in the cancer research system through an equity seeking lens and to foster a more inclusive research environment
  3. To fund a diverse group of trainees across a range of training levels and cancer research areas
  4. To enhance the training experience and innovation in cancer research through exposure to other disciplines, knowledge translation, engagement, and mentorship opportunities

View application information, eligibility, funding, and additional information for Master's, PhD and Postdoctoral levels.

Please review the eligibility and requirements, the application guide, and the rating scales sections prior to creating an application. Application guides can be found on the EGrAMS documentation for applicants page.

Masters RFA  Icon

Masters

CCS and its partners welcome Black and Indigenous students (only) to apply for the 2024 Master’s competition.
PhD RFA Icon

PhD

CCS and its partners support and encourage Black and Indigenous trainees to apply. Other eligible scholars in training are welcome to apply.
PDF RFA Icon

Postdoctoral

CCS and its partners support and encourage Black and Indigenous trainees to apply. Other eligible scholars in training are welcome to apply. 

Our partners

CCMB is interested in supporting applications where both the trainee and supervisor are based in Manitoba and where the research activities will be undertaken in Manitoba. Awards at the PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow level are of primary interest.

Cancer Care Manitoba

SHRF is interested in supporting applications where both the trainee and supervisor are based in Saskatchewan. Awards at the PhD and Postdoctoral Fellow level are of primary interest.

Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Logo

CRS is a national not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to fund research on all types of cancer, thereby contributing to the advancement of science aimed at preventing, detecting, and treating the disease. We have a specific interest in supporting trainees, at the Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral level, in underrepresented groups to help reduce discrimination and inequity and support the full participation of talented individuals in building the next generation of cancer researchers.

Cancer Research Society

TFRI is interested in supporting applications at any award level and on any aspect of the cancer continuum and type of research.

Terry Fox Research Institute Logo