The AACR-Ocular Melanoma Foundation Research Fellowship is a joint initiative between the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and the Ocular Melanoma Foundation. The fellowship is designed to support postdoctoral or clinical research fellows committed to advancing translational or clinical research in ocular or uveal melanoma. The AACR, established in 1907, is a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing and curing cancer through research, education, communication, and collaboration.

This two-year fellowship offers a total funding amount of $130,000 to support the salary and benefits of the awardee, with the grant term beginning on August 1, 2025. The funds may also be applied toward non-personnel research expenses directly related to the funded project, including laboratory supplies, equipment, and publication charges. The research project must be focused specifically on ocular or uveal melanoma, though projects with relevance to cutaneous melanoma are permitted as long as the primary focus remains on uveal melanoma.

Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, MD/PhD, or equivalent) in a related field and must not be pursuing another doctoral degree. They must hold a mentored research position (such as postdoctoral fellow or clinical research fellow) as of the grant start date, and the position must be confirmed at the time of application. Applicants must have received their most recent doctoral degree or completed medical residency (whichever is later) within the past five years. Candidates must work 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 for this fellowship. However, applicants based in countries where they are not citizens or permanent residents must ensure their visa status allows them to complete the grant term at their host institution. AACR membership is required for applicants. Early-career researchers may qualify for Associate membership with waived dues. Nonmembers must apply for membership by the grant application deadline and must be nominated by an Active AACR member. Support is available for locating nominators if needed.

Applications must be submitted online via ProposalCentral by 1:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on April 8, 2025. The award decision will be announced in June 2025. Further details, including the full Program Guidelines and Application Instructions, are available on the AACR website. Final eligibility determinations will only be made upon receipt and review of the completed application. Applicants with institutional or eligibility questions should contact AACR’s Research and Grants Administration Department at grants@aacr.org. Membership inquiries should be directed to membership@aacr.org. The AACR is headquartered at 615 Chestnut St., 17th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19106-4404, and can be reached by phone at 215-440-9300.