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Affiliate Scholar | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Affiliate Scholars

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The Affiliate Scholar program at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is intended for individuals below faculty level who are engaged or interested in cancer focused research, clinical care, and/or community engagement and outreach. The program offers scholars access to resources, mentorship, and a network of experts to advance cancer-related research and initiatives with an aim to foster collaboration, enhance research capabilities, and support professional development. Affiliates include postdoctoral scholars, staff research associates, graduate students, undergraduates, and K-12 students enrolled or appointed at UC Davis and non-UC Davis institutions

The Cancer Center Affiliate Scholar program is open to all UC Davis, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scholars who have a focused interest in cancer and/or related disciplines. Affiliation is also open to non-UC Davis scholars (K-12 through graduate level) who are interested in cancer and/or related disciplines. Scholars must meet one of two eligibility categories to be accepted for membership. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis:

  • Category 1

    Category 1

    Scholar is enrolled or employed with UC Davis or Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory below the faculty level and is engaged or interested in cancer-focused research, clinical care, and/or community engagement and outreach. Examples include postdoctoral scholars, fellows, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff research associates in cancer center member laboratories.

    Affiliates at this level must be sponsored by a cancer center faculty member or have their application reviewed and approved by the cancer center’s Office of Education, Training, and Career Development Leadership and reviewed annually.

  • Category 2

    Category 2

    Scholar is enrolled at a non-UC Davis institution below the faculty level who has an interest in or is currently participating in cancer center scholarly activities, including but not limited to completion of a cancer center workshop or program, mentored research activities, internships, community outreach, and/or fundraising for cancer research. Examples may include K-12 students, undergraduates, and graduate students at any institution other than UC Davis.

    Affiliates at this level must be sponsored by a cancer center faculty member or have their application reviewed and approved by the Cancer Center’s Office of Education, Training, and Career Development Leadership and reviewed annually.

  • Demonstrate a commitment to Cancer Center activities, including but not limited to completion of a Cancer Center workshop or program, attendance at Cancer Center sponsored activities and/or symposia (e.g., the Distinguished Speakers in Oncology, Ralph de Vere White Symposium for Early-Stage Investigators in Cancer, Annual Cancer Research Symposium), engagement in mentored research activities, internships, community outreach, and/or fundraising for cancer research.
  • Respond as needed to requests from the Office of Education, Training, and Career Development for information about scholarly pursuits, activities, and accomplishments
  • Acknowledge use of Cancer Center facilities, Shared Resources, space, or assistance from the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) awarded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI P30CA093373) in all publications.
  • Share career and educational achievements with the Office of Education, Training, and Career Development.
  • Acknowledge, value, and practice the UC Davis Principles of Community that aims to create an inclusive and intellectually vibrant community.

  • Eligibility to apply for internships in cancer research
  • Eligibility to apply for Cancer Center training scholarships
  • Eligibility for Cancer Center Scholar Travel Award
  • Access to Community Outreach and Engagement office hours
  • Priority selection for presentations at the "Ralph de Vere White Symposium for Early-Stage Investigators in Cancer"
  • Priority selection for sponsored workshop participation
  • Access to the Scholars' listserv for workshops, funding, and job opportunities
  • Ability to include UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center affiliation on your resume and CV

  • Step 1

    Step 1

    Complete the application form

    Apply
  • Step 2

    Step 2

    Applications are reviewed monthly on the first business day.

  • Step 3

    Step 3

    Applicants will be notified via email regarding the outcome of their application review.

  • Affiliate Scholar Review and Renewal Process

    Affiliate Scholar Review and Renewal Process

    • Affiliate Scholar is reviewed every two years based on eligibility criteria.
    • During the National Cancer Institute designation renewal preparation, affiliate scholar status is reviewed for reappointment.
    • Affiliate scholar status may be changed or dismissed based on the review.
    • Relocating affiliate scholars' status ends at relocation, but a one-year grace period allows review of UC Davis research publications.
Cancer Research Excellence and Innovation
  • Affiliate Scholar Award of Excellence

    Affiliate Scholar Award of Excellence

    This award recognizes cancer center scholars for outstanding research, policy, clinical care, and community impact, granting three annual awards with a certificate and $500 prize.

    Learn more
  • Director’s Fellowship

    Director’s Fellowship

    This fellowship supports early-career cancer researchers with $1,500 to lead independent projects and gain experience in proposal writing and funding. Three awards are granted annually.

    Learn more
Travel Award Applications

The UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center is accepting applications for travel awards to support cancer-related research presentations at conferences or annual meetings. Awards may be used for airfare, hotel, meals, ground transportation, and registration fees. Up to $1,000 is available for undergraduate students and up to $2,000 for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. The application deadline is May 30, 2025, and recipients will be announced in early June.

  • Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award

    Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award

    • Award is for U.S. travel only; international travel is not eligible.
    • Eligibility: Applicants must be a Cancer Center Affiliate Scholar. If you are not an Affiliate, you may apply here.
    • Applicants that have access to designated funds (e.g., through a T32), are not eligible to apply.
    Apply
  • Undergraduate Student Travel Award

    Undergraduate Student Travel Award

    Award is for U.S. travel only; international travel is not eligible. Materials required to apply include:

    • Scientific abstract (one page maximum)
    • Letter of Support from your mentor or PI endorsing your application (single page)
    • NIH fellowship-style biosketch (template available here)
    Apply