Cancer Council SA Research Fellowship Program is a South Australian initiative intended to support and advance cancer research by investing in the best and brightest early and mid-career researchers within the state.
The program aims to increase funding for cancer research, increase the capacity for researchers to attract more national and international research grants, and build a stronger cancer research workforce and broader research infrastructure in South Australia.
Cancer Council SA’s Research Fellowship program has replaced the Cancer Council SA Beat Cancer Project and is managed and administered by Cancer Council SA.
Cancer Council SA will award Early-Career Research (ECR) and Mid-Career Research (MCR) Fellowships as outlined below.
ECR and MCR fellowship in:
Early and Mid-career cancer researchers based in South Australia are invited to apply for the following grant opportunities:
| Scheme: | Amount per year: | Duration: | Key requirements: | Matched Funding: |
| Early Career Researcher Fellowship | $80,000 | 3 years | <5 years post PhD* | Required |
| Mid-Career Researcher Fellowship | $100,000 | 3 years | 5-10 years post PhD* | Required |
*career disruptions and years post PhD relative to research opportunity will be considered. 1 January 2025 is being used as the reference date for determining the 5- and 10-year eligibility cutoffs. PhD pass date for ECRs is on or after 1 January 2020 and by 31 December 2025 and PhD pass date for MCRs is between 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2019.
In 2026, Cancer Council SA will award a special Metastatic Bowel Cancer MCR Fellowship.
The Special Metastatic Bowel Cancer MCR Fellowship will provide a 3-year financial package per fellowship up to $100,000 per annum ($300,000 total) and will also offer an additional $90,000 funding over the three-year grant period ($30,000 per annum).
The Fellowship program application process will be in two stages.
Stage 1 Complete an Expression of Interest application. This application includes a description of the proposal, the intended outcomes and how the findings might lead to a significant advance in cancer knowledge. Applicants will need to provide evidence of PhD award and a curriculum vitae. Certification from the Research Administration Office will be required.
Stage 2 If shortlisted, applicants will be invited to complete a Full Application. The Full Application includes a detailed proposal and certifications by the Head of Department, mentor(s) and Research Administration Office.
Successful applicants will be required to enter into a funding agreement with Cancer Council SA which includes reporting and publicity requirements and also a number of requirements in relation to the acknowledgment of the funding source.
| Expression of Interest Close | 15 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Full Applications Open (via invitation only) | 15 September 2025 |
| Full Applications Close | 15 October 2025 |
| Outcomes Advised | December 2025 |
If you have any questions about this fellowship opportunity, please contact Cancer Council SA Research grants@cancersa.org.au
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