Call for Applications: American Association for Cancer Research Scientist↔Survivor Program^®

The CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) is thrilled to be continuing its longstanding partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to co-sponsor persons with lived and/or living experience of cancer from Canada to participate in the 2027 American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Scientist↔Survivor Program® (SSP).

The AACR-SSP is being held in Orlando, Florida at the Orange County Convention Centre from April 2 to April 7, 2027, in conjunction with AACR's 2027 Annual Meeting.

Through the AACR-SSP, survivor and patient advocates are able to develop stronger backgrounds in cancer research and related issues; keep abreast of recent advances in drug development and basic, clinical and translational cancer research; and be exposed to the knowledge and dedication of cancer scientists. The program exposes advocates to special lay language lectures, small group discussions, and other interactions that provide a solid background for exploring the scientific sessions at the Annual Meeting on their own or with scientific mentors.

CIHR-ICR will support travel and accommodations to attend the AACR-SSP and AACR will support 2027 Annual Meeting registrations, meals provided through the program, and a one-year AACR Affiliate Membership for the successful applicants. Incidentals and meals outside of the program will not be covered by AACR or CIHR-ICR. CIHR-ICR patient advocates will have access to all of the benefits provided to AACR-SSP participants including, but not limited to, access to the Advocacy/SSP Lounge, Mentor Working Groups, Special Interest Sessions, all Educational and Lecture Sessions, Advocate Reception, and Poster Presentation in the Exhibit Hall.

The AACR-SSP is for survivor and patient advocates who:

1. Actively support cancer research through policy advocacy, research advocacy, and/or community outreach;
2. Have a constituency with which they will share the knowledge they gain through the program;
3. Have access to avenues for disseminating the knowledge gained from the program to colleagues and/or constituents;
4. Are able to present an advocate poster during the AACR Annual Meeting;
5. Are able to participate in all components of the multi-day in-person program (Friday, April 2nd – Wednesday, April 7th).

How to Apply

To apply, submit the AACR-CIHR Online Application Form by Tuesday, January 5, 2027, at 11:59 pm ET.

Please note this application form is distinct from the general AACR-SSP application form. Please ensure you submit your application to the AACR-CIHR form. All application fields are required and incomplete applications will be withdrawn from consideration. Priority will be given to applicants who have not previously attended the AACR-SSP.

As noted in bullet #4 above, you must prepare and present a poster at this meeting. Questions 17 and 18 of the application form ask specifically for a title and description of this poster. Costs associated with the poster will be covered by CIHR-ICR.

If you wish to request a Word document of the application form to assist with writing your application, please e-mail us at cihr.icr@uhn.ca.

Contact Information

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at cihr.icr@uhn.ca.

Additional Information

More information about the AACR-SSP or the 2027 AACR Annual Meeting can be found at:

• AACR Scientist↔Survivor Program®
• 2027 AACR Annual Meeting

Date modified:

2026-09-29