Deadline: 14-January-2026
The American Brain Tumor Association is inviting applications for its Medical Student Summer Fellowship Program to support both established and new scientists in discovering more about the causes, effects, diagnosis, and treatment of brain tumors.
The fellowship supports research in Biomarkers of Risk, Disease Burden, and/or Treatment Response, Brain Tumor Biology, Clinical Research, Diagnosis, Drug Delivery, Etiology, Genetics, Imaging, Molecular/Genetic Epidemiology, Novel Therapeutics, and Risk Assessment.
An independent, multi-level, external review process ensures that ABTA grants are awarded to the most meritorious brain tumor research projects. Through its prestigious Scientific Advisory Council and expert reviewers, the ABTA funds innovative research that enhances understanding of the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of brain tumors, while also improving the quality of life for patients and their caregivers.
The ABTA Medical Student Summer Fellowship provides $3,000 in support for a three-month term, enabling medical students to gain hands-on experience in neuro-oncology research within a mentorship setting.
The fellowship aims to provide an introductory learning experience that motivates and empowers talented medical students by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in brain tumor research.
Fellows conduct their projects in laboratories under the guidance of experienced mentors actively involved in brain tumor research. Research can focus on any brain tumor type, whether benign or malignant, primary or metastatic, and may address pediatric or adult populations.
Applicants must be currently enrolled and in good standing at a medical school, conducting their proposed research at the Lead Mentor’s institution. Mentors must hold a doctoral degree and a full-time faculty appointment at a non-profit institution in the United States or Canada that conducts brain tumor research.
Co-mentors are optional but may provide complementary expertise to the project. If the Co-Mentor’s faculty title differs from standard academic ranks, an explanation must be provided in the biosketch.
While the Co-Mentor is not required to conduct brain tumor research, they should contribute complementary expertise to the project. They are not required to be a U.S. citizen or resident and may serve as a Co-Mentor on multiple 2026 fellowship applications.
The Lead Institution must be a non-profit organization or institution located in the United States or Canada and cannot be a governmental entity such as the NIH or NCI. The institution will be responsible for administering grant funds, managing the budget, and ensuring the timely submission of all required documents and reports.
The application process is managed through Proposal Central and applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documents, letters, and biosketches are accurate and complete before submission.
Applications undergo merit-based review, assessing the significance of the research question, applicant’s goals, mentorship quality, and institutional environment. Successful proposals demonstrate strong scientific merit, clear career development objectives, and a well-structured plan for conducting meaningful research within the three-month timeframe.
For more information, visit ABTA.