Graduate Fellowship Program

The MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Graduate Fellowship will provide two-year research fellowships to support the development of highly promising and accomplished graduates with the potential to become independent cancer research scientists.

Due to the complexity of cancer, finding ways to prevent and cure this disease requires a multidisciplinary effort. Therefore, doctoral students in any discipline at MUSC with an interest in cancer research are encouraged to apply. The Hollings Cancer Center Graduate Fellowship will provide up to two years of support, providing an opportunity for the most promising students to become more immersed in cancer research.

Since the inception of the Graduate Fellowship Program, the MUSC College of Graduate Studies has contributed $5,000 per year towards stipend support for each fellow. To date, 21 graduate fellowships have been awarded.

Graduate Fellowship

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Program Eligibility

• The research proposal must be cancer related and must be prepared by the applicant. Projects with translational potential are encouraged, but not mandatory.
• Doctoral students in all disciplines are eligible to apply, including those pursuing dual doctoral degrees.
• Students must achieve candidacy in their program prior to acceptance of an award. Fellowships offered to students who have not achieved candidacy may be deferred for up to six months.
• Commitment to cover student health insurance from either the mentor or his/her department.
• Applicants may only apply twice. For resubmissions, include a 1-page response to previous critiques.
• U.S. citizenship is not necessary, but the applicant must hold a valid U.S. visa.
• Only one application per Hollings mentor is allowed for each fellowship cycle.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assigned to reviewers who have substantial expertise in cancer research and grant review. These reviewers will score applications based on the standard NIH criteria:

• Applicant strengths and potential for new research training.
• Mentor qualifications and training record.
• Significance, innovation, impact, and approach of the project.

Invitations may be issued for select applicants to discuss their research projects in person. These interviews will be used to ascertain that the student developed the application and to assess the student’s independence and communication skills.

Program Expectations

• Submission of an external fellowship application (e.g. F31). Students who receive external funding may defer the remainder of their Hollings award until external funding ends.
• Publication of original, peer-reviewed research.
• Hollings Cancer Center trainee database information entered or updated for trainee.
• Year 1 progress report documenting significant progress to qualify for second year of funding. Significant documented progress is also expected for graduate fellows eligible to reinstate the portion of their Hollings award deferred due to receipt of external funding.
• Annual progress reports should include a description of project results, a list of publications generated, and all fellowship applications submitted and planned.
• Fellow and mentor are strongly encouraged to participate in the LOWVELO bike ride each year of the fellowship, the fellow as a student rider and mentor as a traditional rider. If either is unable to ride, the option of virtual rider is available with the same fundraising expectations of a traditional rider.