Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Research Training Awards

The next generation of cancer researchers is a critical component for growth and innovation in cancer research. One call to action for the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance is to develop initiatives to build a diverse cancer researcher workforce and to look for ways to improve supports offered to trainees. The Canadian Cancer Society and its partners are working to develop and implement a new, holistic system of funding and support for trainees at the Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral level. We also recognize that systemic and structural racism and discrimination experienced by diverse groups of trainees negatively affects both trainees and the cancer research ecosystem. CCS and its partners aim to address racism and discrimination in multiple ways including through equitable research policies and practices, for example our Inclusive Excellence Research Action Plan and our Health Equity Research Grants.  This opportunity will support cancer research training and foster innovation in cancer research through a comprehensive approach including mentorship, training, and knowledge-sharing. While this iteration of the award focuses on Master’s, PhD and postdoctoral fellows, training awards for undergraduates will be offered later this year.

Specific Objectives:

1. To support the next generation of cancer researchers in Canada and foster long term connections within the cancer research ecosystem
2. To build capacity in the cancer research system through an equity seeking lens and to foster a more inclusive research environment
3. To fund a diverse group of trainees across a range of training levels and cancer research areas
4. To enhance the training experience and innovation in cancer

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this funding program is to support growth and innovation in the next generation of diverse cancer researchers across Canada at the Master’s, Doctoral and Postdoctoral levels. Our Research Training Awards seek to build inclusive capacity in cancer research and recognizing this, we support Black* and Indigenous* applicants to apply for this opportunity. This program will support individuals in conducting cancer related research while fostering long term connections with Canada’s cancer research ecosystem through a combination of exposures to other disciplines, knowledge translation, engagement, and mentorship opportunities. Recognizing the impact of systemic and structural racism and discrimination on trainees in the cancer research community, CCS and its partners endeavour to address racism and discrimination in multiple ways including equitable research policies and practices.

*Note: The term "Black" refers to people of Black African descent, which includes those who identify as Black Africans, and those found worldwide who identify as descendants of Black African peoples in the Diaspora (1, 2, 3). The term “Indigenous” refers to people who identify as First Nations, Inuit, Innu or Métis in Canada (4, 5).