The Conquer Cancer Long-term International Fellowship (LIFe) from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) provides early-career oncologists in low- to middle-income countries (LMICs) with resources and support for advanced training, with the ultimate goal to improve cancer care in their home countries. The program includes the following features:
- Mentor-led training: Fellows work with an expert at a host institution in the U.S., Canada, or Europe.
- Blended learning: The program combines up to six months of in-person clinical and research training at the host institution, followed by six months or up to 12 months of virtual mentorship.
- Supported research: Upon returning to their home institution, fellows continue their research projects with ongoing virtual collaboration from their mentor. Fellows can choose between a 12-month or 18-month fellowship duration.
Funding Available
The Fellowship total is $60,000 USD for the entire duration (12 months or 18 months) and will be paid to the fellowship recipient’s home institution in two equal installments. Any costs in excess of $60,000 are the responsibility of the home institution.
For 2026, two Fellowships are available which will be awarded to the most meritorious applications evaluated for this competition. Additional Fellowships may be awarded as funding becomes available.
Eligibility
All of the following criteria must be met in order to qualify for a LIFe:
- Must be a physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent) who has completed a subspecialty training program (such as hematology-oncology fellowship or radiation oncology residency) or the equivalent.
- Must be a citizen of a country categorized by the World Bank as Low-Income, Lower-Middle Income, or Upper-Middle Income.
- Must be affiliated with an institution/organization (“Home Institution”) with a charitable purpose registered as a not-for-profit with the relevant national authority or must be a government agency. The Home Institution must be located in a country categorized by the World Bank as Low-Income, Lower-Middle Income, or Upper-Middle Income.
- Must have less than 10 years of experience in the field of oncology.
- Must not have received more than one year of training in the United States, Canada, or Europe (for instance, attended medical school, participated in internships, fellowships, research positions or residency programs).
- Must have a pre-existing relationship with a mentor who is a member of ASCO and is employed at a US, Canadian, or European institution with sufficient infrastructure (“Host Institution”) to support the fellowship.
- Must not already be at the Host Institution at the time of application submission.
- Must commit to returning to their home country following the completion of the in-person training at the Host Institution.
- Must be an ASCO member or have submitted a membership application with the grant application. Visit ASCO Membership to join/renew online.
Applicants who are uncertain about their eligibility are encouraged to contact our Grants team for clarification and provide their latest CV for evaluation.
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