Cancer Prevention Summer Internship at MD Anderson

Every summer, a select group of students joins MD Anderson Cancer Center to take on one of the most urgent challenges of our time: preventing cancer before it starts and improving lives after diagnosis.

The Cancer Prevention Research Training Program (CPRTP) - Summer Research Experience is a paid, immersive opportunity for undergraduate, graduate, and health professional students to explore the science that drives prevention, early detection, survivorship, and patient-centered care. Funded by a grant award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and hosted by the MD Anderson CATALYST Summer Training Program, our program places students at the heart of the nation’s leading NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers.

As the oldest academic fellowship program at MD Anderson, we blend legacy and innovation. Our trainees work side by side with world renowned faculty in the Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, contributing to research that advances population health, risk assessment and reduction, early detection, health equity, and quality of life. During our 10-week program, trainees gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies and participate in a curriculum of research seminars, career development workshops, and communication training designed to help them grow as research scientists, clinicians, and future leaders.

Throughout the summer, our students join a vibrant and supportive community that values curiosity, collaboration, and impact. Our program concludes with a 90-second elevator pitch and a scientific poster presentation at the CATALYST symposium where more than 250 students present their cancer research findings to faculty, peers, and MD Anderson leaders.

Alumni of CPRTP have gone on to become public health leaders, policy advisors, research faculty, physician-scientists, behavioral scientists, clinical investigators, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, community engagement specialists, and health equity advocates. Many publish in top journals, present at national and international conferences, and lead efforts to reduce the burden of cancer through prevention and early detection. Our program is more than a research experience. It is a launchpad for future leaders in cancer prevention, opening pathways into academia, public health, policy, clinical research, and beyond.

Apply here by January 14, 2026 if you meet these eligibility requirements:

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident of the United States
• Enrolled in a degree-granting program (bachelor's degree or higher) in a U.S. college or university 
• Enrolled during the Spring 2026 academic semester. 
• Enrolled or plan to attend school in the Fall 2026 academic semester
• Can participate the full ten-weeks Monday, June 1 to August 7, 2026 (dates cannot be modified)

This fellowship provides:

• $18/hour compensation funded by a grant award from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
• Complimentary round-trip airfare.
• Housing assistance for qualified students.
• Previous lab or research experience is helpful but not required.
• Applicants must state an interest in cancer prevention in the submitted personal statement.
• $1,000 in research support for travel to conferences, lab supplies, books, and other items needed for the cancer prevention research project.
• Collaboration with a faculty who will mentor the student on a project in cancer prevention. 

For eligibility requirements, FAQs, tips for selecting your application, and application link, visit our web page at www.CancerPreventionTraining.org/Summer and be part of the change! The application deadline is January 14, 2026. 

For questions not found on our web page or FAQs, please contact me at KLLewis2@MDAnderson.org.