Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial International Cancer (YY) Study Grants

The YY Study Grants provide an important opportunity to advance cancer research through international collaboration. 
Man at Istanbul University Oncology Institute looking at a computer

Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial International Cancer (YY) Study Grants provide postdoctoral researchers with opportunities to initiate or pursue cancer research projects with international collaborators, enabling them to exchange knowledge, skills, and techniques. The YY Study Grants are supported by the Japan National Committee for UICC, a full UICC member organisation since 1948. For almost 50 years, the YY Study Grants have contributed to the professional development of over 330 Fellows from over 40 countries.

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Call dates

Call opens:  September 2025 
Call closes:  November 2025

Eligible candidates: 

  • Hold a PhD certificate (or equivalent degree*) at least 2 years prior to the publication date of the call
  • Have a track record of publications in cancer research

Practical information:

Target candidates: Researchers, clinicians, epidemiologists and/or public health professionals

Duration: Three months

Extension: Up to two months with funding secured by the fellow from other sources and at no cost to UICC

Maximum value: US$ 10,000 

Research type: Basic, translational, public health or applied cancer research

Notification of results: To be confirmed

Note: This is not a clinical training fellowship

Click here to read about YY Study grant Fellows awarded in 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024 (PDF)

 

What do the YY Study Grantees say ?

“This fellowship will empower me to integrate advanced methodologies in targeting DNMT1 and addressing disparities in triple-negative breast cancer outcomes. By leveraging these learnings, I will establish a translational research pipeline at my home institution that combines cutting-edge molecular studies with local medicinal plant resources, such as Spondias mombin. This initiative will enable the development of cost-effective, ancestry-specific therapeutic strategies and foster capacity building in cancer genomics and drug discovery. Ultimately, these efforts will contribute to reducing breast cancer disparities in Nigeria and West Africa, aligning with global precision oncology goals.”
AFEES John OLANREWAJU, Babcock University, Nigeria visiting Loma Linda University in California (US) in 2025
“This collaborative project in computational epigenetics aims to enhance cancer diagnostics, treatment, and prevention in Pakistan by leveraging advanced research and technology. It will explore how epigenetic modifications contribute to cancer, identifying biomarkers for common cancers like breast, oral, and gastrointestinal cancers. The project will build local expertise in computational epigenetics, enabling skilled professionals to lead cancer research and reduce reliance on international resources. It may also facilitate cost-effective, non-invasive diagnostic tests and personalized screening approaches, improving early detection and intervention. Collaborative international research and local studies can address the gaps and improve understanding of cancer in Pakistan.”
Naila Malkani, GC University, Pakistan about visiting King's College London (UK) in 2025

The Japan National Committee for UICC is a group of Japanese organisations that are members of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), gathered to support the UICC to strive to realise the World Cancer Declaration. Currently UICC-Japan is composed of 29 full Japanese UICC members, including major cancer specialists in Japan, cancer centres, research institutes, research funds, hospitals and cancer associations.
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Established in 1962, the Fellowships is one of UICC's oldest and most established portfolio of programmes.

Fellowships
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Virtual Fellowships allow cancer professionals from UICC member organisations to obtain expert learning and guidance in cancer control in English, French or Spanish, through a series of four one-to-one video calls with experts.

Virtual Fellowships
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Transfer of cancer control knowledge, skills and techniques through two-week to two-month international visits 

Technical Fellowships
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En 2017 UICC a lancé un programme de bourses pour le personnel de santé et les autres professionnels travaillant dans le domaine du cancer en Afrique francophone.

Bourses pour l’Afrique Francophone (BAF)
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In the last 60 years UICC has awarded over 4200 fellowships to cancer professionals from over 140 different countries.

Fellowship outcomes and impact
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Fellows who have successfully completed a fellowship are invited to join the Association of UICC Fellows.

Association of UICC Fellows

UICC regularly reviews its capacity building programmes to ensure UICC programmes are not only contemporary but also targeted to meet the emerging needs of cancer control organisations and contribute to the development of cancer control at a country level.

Past successes
Tags YY Fellowships YY Study Grants YY

Last update

Thursday 20 February 2025

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