The AACR-Exelixis Renal Cell Carcinoma Research Fellowship is a joint initiative between the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Exelixis. This funding opportunity is designed to support promising postdoctoral or clinical research fellows in conducting impactful research projects in renal cell carcinoma. The program aims to foster the development of researchers’ careers and contribute to scientific discoveries with clinical relevance to this form of kidney cancer. The AACR is a globally recognized nonprofit dedicated to accelerating the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration.

This fellowship provides a two-year grant of $130,000, beginning July 1, 2025. The funding is primarily intended to support the salary and benefits of the fellow during their mentored research project. A portion of the funds may also be used for non-personnel research-related expenses, including laboratory supplies, research equipment, and publication charges for manuscripts directly related to the funded work. The fellowship does not allow the use of funds for clinical practice compensation or indirect costs.

Eligible projects must be focused on renal cell carcinoma and may fall within basic, translational, clinical, or population sciences. Proposals must demonstrate direct applicability and relevance to renal cell carcinoma. The fellowship supports innovative and high-impact projects that address major questions or therapeutic opportunities in kidney cancer.

Applicants must possess a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) and must not be currently enrolled in another doctoral program. By the start of the fellowship on July 1, 2025, applicants must hold a mentored position such as postdoctoral or clinical research fellow. This position must be confirmed at the time of application and cannot be contingent upon receiving the award. Applicants must have completed their most recent doctoral degree or medical residency within the past five years (i.e., no earlier than July 1, 2020). Research must be conducted under the guidance of a mentor at an academic, medical, or research institution located anywhere in the world.

There are no citizenship or geographic restrictions; however, applicants from countries where they are not citizens or permanent residents must ensure that their visa status permits completion of the full grant term. AACR membership is required by the application deadline. Early-career researchers may qualify for Associate membership, and dues are waived for applicants from countries developing cancer research capacity. Nonmembers must apply for AACR membership and obtain a nomination from an active AACR member. AACR provides assistance to help applicants locate nominators.

Applications must be submitted through the ProposalCentral platform by 1:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced in June 2025. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the Program Guidelines and Application Instructions. For further assistance, inquiries may be directed to AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department at grants@aacr.org or by calling 215-440-9300. AACR’s address is 615 Chestnut St., 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404.