Cancer Biology Research Fellowship
Understanding the science behind one of medicine’s greatest challenges, from a single mutated cell to immunotherapy, ending in an independent capstone research project.
About the program
Students begin with the foundations of cancer biology and progress into genetics, tumor development, modern treatments, immunotherapy, precision medicine, and emerging research.
The second half shifts from learning to application. Using the skills built across the first ten weeks, each student develops an independent capstone research project: a question of their own, investigated with real evidence and communicated as scientific work.
- Duration
- 20 weeks
- Dates
- July to December 2026
- Format
- Virtual, international
- Grades
- 6 to 10
- Capstone
- Independent research project
- Certificate
- Awarded on completion
What students explore
From how cancer begins, to how scientists study and treat it, to research of their own.
- 01
Understand
Cells → DNA → Mutations → Tumor development
The biology behind normal cell growth, and what changes when cancer develops.
- 02
Investigate
Cancer types → Risk → Prevention → Laboratory research
Connecting cellular biology to real cancers, and how researchers investigate disease.
- 03
Treat
Modern therapies → Immunotherapy → Precision medicine
How cancer is treated, and why different cancers and patients need different approaches.
- 04
Look forward
AI → Emerging technologies → Cancer research
Where oncology is heading, and how new tools are changing research and treatment.
- 05
Create
Research question → Investigation → Capstone
The second half shifts from learning about research to developing a project of their own.
Not ten weeks of lectures
Sessions combine live teaching, discussion, activities, games, scientific literature, and examples from real cancer research, so advanced concepts stay approachable with the science still at the centre.
Every workshop this cohort has run
- 18 July 2026 Introduction to cancer, and why it matters The fundamentals of cancer biology, why cancer remains one of the world’s leading health challenges, and how scientists are working toward more effective treatments.
- 25 July 2026 How cancer begins Cells, DNA and mutations. How healthy cells function, and how mutations disrupt normal growth and contribute to tumor formation.
- 1 August 2026 Types of cancer and risk factors The diversity of cancer, and the environmental, genetic and lifestyle factors that influence risk, prevention and early detection.
20 weeks. Two parts.
Learn the science
Cancer biology, genetics, disease mechanisms, treatments, precision medicine, immunotherapy, prevention, and emerging research.
Currently underwayBuild the research
Students move into independent research: developing a question, investigating scientific evidence, analyzing their findings, and communicating their work.
Coming nextStep one
Question
Step two
Research
Step three
Analysis
Step four
Communication
The capstone phase begins later in the 2026 program.
Connecting biology to real research.
I’ve always heard about cancer, but I never really understood what actually causes it until this program. The workshops explain complex ideas in a way that’s easy to follow, and I’ve started looking at biology from a completely different perspective.
Program participantOne of my favorite parts has been connecting what we learn to real medical research happening today. Every session introduces something new, and it’s made me even more interested in pursuing research and medicine in the future.
Program participantLearning now. Independent research ahead.
July to December 2026. As students finish the instructional workshops and begin their capstone projects, this page will carry new milestones and research work through to the final showcase.