FAQ

Eligibility

Is the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship open only to HILS graduate students? 
Initially, the LCBRF was open only to HILS students; however, from the 2020 RFA, we are opening the Fellowship to all GSAS graduate students.

Are international students eligible to apply and receive the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship? 
Yes, international students are eligible to apply and receive the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship.

Are MD-PhD students eligible to apply and receive the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship?  Yes, students on the MD-PhD track are eligible to apply and receive the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship, as long as they are in their G2 year at the time of application.

Are there any eligibility restrictions for applicants with the same PI?  
No, there are no eligibility restrictions for applicants with the same PI for the Fellowship. It is not uncommon for students to be in the same lab (same PI).

Fellowship Funding and Overlap

Can the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship be awarded alongside another Fellowship?  
No, the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship cannot be awarded and held concurrently with another fellowship during its 18-month duration. Students are not allowed to “double up” on fellowship support. The goal of the Fellowship is to provide funding to an exceptional pool of candidates and, to be able to fund more students, our requirement is that awardees are not allowed to receive any other fellowship during this time frame of 18 months.

Can I apply for the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship if I am also applying for other fellowships (e.g., the NIH F30)? What if I receive both?  
Applicants are encouraged to apply for multiple fellowships at the same time; doing so does not impact your eligibility for the Landry Cancer Biology Research Fellowship. However, you are not allowed to "double up" on fellowship support. If you are selected for both the Landry Fellowship and another fellowship that provides stipend support for the same period, you will need to choose one. If you receive another fellowship after being awarded the Landry Fellowship, you must notify us immediately.

Application Materials

Should my research proposal focus only on what I plan to accomplish during the 18 months of the fellowship, or can it include aspects of my larger PhD project?  
You should describe your plans for the 18-month Fellowship period, but we understand that some aspects may take longer, and research timelines can evolve. You are not required to restrict your proposal strictly to the 18-month timeframe. Instead, focus on your overall hypothesis, aims, and the broader context of your project.

Does the paragraph on personal scientific background have to be included in the one-page research proposal?  
No, the paragraph on personal scientific background should be separate from the one-page research proposal.

Is there a word limit for the paragraph on the personal scientific background?  
No, there is no word limit for the paragraph on the personal scientific background, but we recommend keeping it to half a page to one page at the most.

Do I need to include any data in the one-page research proposal?  
No, you don’t need to include any data in your one-page research proposal. However, if you do have some preliminary data, we encourage it but do not require it. If you choose to include data, keep it within the one-page requirement.

Are figures included in the one-page limit for the research proposal?  
Yes, if you choose to include figures, they must fit within the one-page limit for the proposal. You may use smaller fonts or adjust formatting as needed—there are no strict guidelines for figure format. Please note that figures are not required.

Do I need to include my references in the one-page research proposal?  
We encourage you to include your references for your one-page research proposal, and they can be added to the next page (not included in the one-page requirement).

What is the format for the one-page research proposal?  
Suggested format for the one-page research proposal is Arial 11pt, single space, and 0.5" margins.

Are undergraduate or graduate transcripts required in the application packet?  
No, your undergraduate or graduate transcripts are not required in the application packet.

Letters of Support

Does the letter of support from a non-thesis advisor have to be from a Harvard-affiliated advisor?  
No, the letter of support from a non-thesis advisor does not have to be from a Harvard-affiliated advisor.

If you are co-mentored by two PIs, can they both send a letter of support in your name?  
If you are co-mentored by two PIs, both of your advisors can sign your letter of support; however, we encourage you to have another letter submitted on your behalf by someone who is not your thesis advisor (e.g., internships, undergraduate research, or anyone that has mentored you for some time and can speak to your research abilities).

Who should I choose for my non-thesis advisor letter of support? Is it better to ask a PI I’ve worked with extensively in the past (such as my previous lab before starting my PhD), who can speak to my scientific capabilities, or a PI I will be collaborating with on my current research proposal, who can speak more directly to the proposed project, even though we haven’t worked together much yet?  
Both options are valid and can complement the letter from your thesis advisor. A previous PI who knows you well can write in detail about your scientific abilities, past achievements, and potential as a researcher. A collaborator for your current project could provide insight into the research proposal and your skills relevant to that project, but their letter may be less personal if you haven’t worked together extensively. We do not have a specific recommendation on which is better. It is ultimately your decision based on who you think can provide the strongest support for your application. You may also wish to discuss this choice with your thesis advisor.

Application Submission & Process

Where and how should the application be submitted?  
The applicant should submit the application package directly to Jelena_Patrnogic@hms.harvard.edu. The letters of support should be sent separately by the thesis and non-thesis advisor to Jelena_Patrnogic@hms.harvard.edu.

Since letters of support are submitted separately, is there anything students can do to ensure the application is complete?  
You can make sure your letter writers know the deadline well in advance and remind them as the date approaches. Upon sending your application materials, you will receive a confirmation email and if is missing, such as a letter of support, you will be notified and can follow up with your letter writers. 

Additional advice from Landry Fellows about the application process.