UICC awards 23 Technical Fellowships to strengthen cancer control capacity through international learning and collaboration

This year’s UICC Technical Fellowships call attracted 137 applications from 47 countries (up from 110 in 2025), demonstrating continued global demand for opportunities that support knowledge exchange, skills development, and international collaboration in cancer control. Of these, 103 applications met the eligibility criteria and were reviewed by international experts.

UICC then awarded fellowships to 23 cancer professionals from 15 countries, representing a diverse range of disciplines and institutions, with most working in low- and middle-income settings and committed to strengthening cancer control capacity in their home countries. 

UICC's Technical Fellowship programme facilitates the international exchange of technical knowledge and skills in cancer control through short-term learning visits of between two weeks and two months.

"This fellowship will provide me with practical experience and operational insights to help translate The Gambia’s National Cancer Control Strategy into action. The knowledge gained in organised cervical cancer screening, patient navigation, quality assurance, data systems and sustainable programme implementation will directly support our efforts to establish a context-appropriate screening programme in The Gambia. I hope to share these lessons with colleagues and partners across the region, contributing to stronger, more equitable and sustainable cancer prevention and early detection systems."
– Dr Kebba S. Bojang, Program Manager, National Cancer Control Programme, Ministry of Health, The Gambia

The 2026 Fellows will undertake training placements at leading cancer centres and institutions in Canada, France, South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Italy, Jordan, Mexico, Zambia, and India. They aim to gain new skills and experience in their specific areas of expertise, which they will seek to transfer to their home institutions upon their return.

Fellowship visits will focus on areas including cervical cancer prevention and gynaecologic oncology, lung cancer screening and treatment, advanced radiotherapy, survivorship and rehabilitation, adolescent and young adult oncology, geriatric oncology, transplantation, diagnostics, palliative care and psychosocial support.

Most fellowship visits will take place during the final quarter of 2026 and the first half of 2027. Planning for the next Technical Fellowships call is already underway, with continued interest from existing and prospective partners in supporting future opportunities for cancer professionals worldwide.

“Technical Fellowships are far more than short-term training opportunities. They create lasting professional networks, support the transfer of knowledge and expertise, and help strengthen cancer control capacity where it is needed most. We are delighted to support this year's Fellows and look forward to seeing the impact their projects will have in their institutions, communities and countries.”
– Sally Hopkins, Senior Fellowships and Grants Manager, UICC

The programme continues to play an important role in strengthening connections across the UICC membership network. Eight Fellows (35%) are based at UICC member organisations, while 14 fellowship visits (61%) will be hosted by UICC member institutions. Overall, 17 fellowships (74%) involve at least one UICC member organisation, either as the home or host institution.

Applications were peer reviewed by international experts in the relevant specialty, and final funding recommendations are made by the programme’s Chairs:

• Prof. Anil D’Cruz, Apollo Hospitals, India, and UICC Past President (2020–2022)
• Dr Jamal Khader, King Hussein Cancer Center Jordan
• Dr Benider Abdellatif, Centre Mohammed VI pour le Traitement des Cancers, Morocco.