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Student Mentorship and Research Training Program (SMART)

THE APPLICATION CYCLE FOR THE 2026-2027 ACADEMIC YEAR IS NOW OPEN

Blood Cancer United is pleased to provide medical students with an interest in blood cancer an opportunity to engage in full-time blood cancer laboratory research for one year. Our goal is to increase the number of physician-scientists who are at the interface of blood cancer research and treatment.

Students will perform laboratory research for one year and will be provided $75,000 for living expenses, $5,000 for relocation costs and $6,000 for conference attendance.

Application deadlines

PhaseDate
Program opens for applications June 1, 2026
Applications DueDecember 15, 2026, 3:00 PM (ET)
Notification of acceptance into programFebruary 2027
Notification of lab placementMarch 2027
Contract signed by all parties May 1, 2027
Student Research July 1, 2027 - June 20, 2028

 

Eligibility requirements 

  • Applicants are ideally 3rd or 4th year medical students at either an LCME or COCA accredited medical school in good standing by the application due date, however, 2nd year students with a strong interest in Hematology/Oncology will also be considered.
  • Students must be from schools which are not affiliated with an NCI-Designated Cancer Center OR from schools where opportunities for malignant hematology research are limited.
  • Must be a United States citizen or permanent resident of the U.S. or a U.S. territory 

Applicants must submit

  • A personal statement detailing their interest in blood cancer research
  • A letter of support from a dean of the student’s medical school
  • A second supporting letter from a professor or other doctoral-level administrator

Ready to apply?

Apply for consideration by clicking on this link and filling out the interest form. 

It is required that you review the SMART program guidelines (RFA or Request For Applications) below prior to completing the form.

SMART Medical Research Opportunity 

Coming Soon 

See our active SMART awardee portfolio
 

Questions?

Refer to the program guidelines and instructions in the Award Categories section above or email [email protected].

Testimonials - Coming Soon

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United. Learn more.