St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026: Empowering Future Leaders in Pediatric Oncology Research

Omran Aburayya
May 26
3 min read

If you're a dedicated early-career physician-scientist passionate about advancing pediatric oncology, the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award 2026 offers a transformative opportunity. Applications are now open for this prestigious fellowship, designed to support innovative research aimed at finding cures for childhood cancers and improving survivors' quality of life. The fellowship provides substantial funding to facilitate groundbreaking studies and foster the development of future leaders in pediatric cancer research.

📌 Fellowship Summary

Location: United States
Host Institution: Academic or non-profit research institutions in the U.S.
Level: Pediatric Oncology Fellowship (2nd or 3rd year by July 1, 2026)
Target Group: Early-career physician-scientists
Fields of Focus: Pediatric oncology, including areas such as adolescents & young adults, survivorship, outcomes, quality of life, supportive care, epidemiology, pediatric cancer predispositions, precision medicine, and alternative & complementary therapies
Coverage: Up to $97,500 per year for two years ($195,000 total), covering salary and benefits only
Duration: Two years, with a potential additional year based on demonstrated need and significant accomplishments
Application Deadlines:
- Letter of Intent (LOI): July 8, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET
- Full Proposal: August 28, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET
Start Date: July 1, 2026
Eligible To: Applicants holding an M.D. or D.O. degree, employed by a U.S.-based academic or non-profit research institution, and in their 2nd or 3rd year of a pediatric oncology fellowship by July 1, 2026

🎓 Fellowship Overview

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation Fellowship Award is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of pediatric oncology researchers. The fellowship supports early-career physician-scientists in conducting research that addresses critical areas in childhood cancer, including but not limited to:

Adolescents & young adults
Survivorship, outcomes, and quality of life
Supportive care
Epidemiology and pediatric cancer predispositions
Precision medicine
Alternative & complementary therapies

Fellows will engage in a structured research curriculum under the mentorship of experienced professionals in American Board of Pediatrics–approved Pediatric Hematology/Oncology programs. The program emphasizes the development of independent research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute significantly to the field of pediatric oncology.

💰 Fellowship Benefits

Financial Support: Up to $97,500 per year for two years, totaling $195,000, covering salary and benefits.
Potential Extension: Opportunity for a third year of funding based on demonstrated need and significant accomplishments.
Mentorship: Guidance from experienced mentors in approved Pediatric Hematology/Oncology programs.
Research Opportunities: Engagement in cutting-edge research projects aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer.

✅ Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold an M.D. or D.O. degree by the start date of the fellowship (July 1, 2026).
Be employed by a U.S.-based academic or non-profit research institution.
Be in their 2nd or 3rd year of a pediatric oncology fellowship by July 1, 2026. Exceptions are allowed for a research residency format (2 years of residency followed by 4 years of fellowship).
Not hold an appointment of assistant professor or above.
Have a fellowship mentor who provides supervision, facilities, and research support at an American Board of Pediatrics–approved fellowship program in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. A co-mentor is allowed.

📝 Application Procedure

Letter of Intent (LOI): Submit by July 8, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.
Full Proposal: Submit by August 28, 2025, by 5:00 PM ET.

📂 Refere to this document for Detailed Application Instructions

Applicants are encouraged to work closely with their institution's Office of Research or equivalent to ensure compliance with internal submission procedures and deadlines.

📚 Additional Information

Funding Priorities: The foundation emphasizes funding in areas such as new discovery research, translational research and early-phase clinical trials, phase III clinical trials, and education of new pediatric oncology researchers.
Special Consideration: Institutions may submit a second application if the project focuses on specific areas, including brain tumors (all types), Burkitt lymphoma, and extrarenal rhabdoid tumors.
Contact Information: For questions or additional information, applicants can contact the St. Baldrick’s Foundation at