The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) is offering a fully funded Summer School in 2025 in Lyon, France. This prestigious program is designed for researchers and health professionals who are actively involved in cancer prevention and control. The IARC Summer School provides a unique multicultural and multidisciplinary learning environment, fostering international collaboration and networking with experts from around the world.
The fully-funded research training program offers two specialized modules: “Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology” and “Implementing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection”. Participants can choose one module that aligns with their interests and professional goals. Each module combines autonomous online learning with a face-to-face training session in Lyon. You’ll have the opportunity to engage with IARC faculty, participate in group work, and attend high-level lectures and practical activities.
Since its inception, the IARC Summer School has been instrumental in building the capacity of cancer researchers globally, particularly those from low- and middle-income countries. By participating, you’ll not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also become part of a global network committed to combating cancer through research and prevention strategies.
Quick Overview of IARC Summer School 2025
- Host Country: France
- Host Organization: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- Program Dates:
- Online Sessions:
- Epidemiology Module: May 12 – June 6, 2025
- Prevention Module: May 26 – June 6, 2025
- Face-to-Face Sessions in Lyon:
- Prevention Module: June 16 – 20, 2025
- Epidemiology Module: June 23 – 27, 2025
- Online Sessions:
- Application Deadline: January 6, 2025 (12:00 midday CET)
- Programs:
- “Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology”
- “Implementing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection”
- Value: Fully funded (includes registration fee, training materials, and support for travel and living expenses for eligible candidates)
- Age Limit: No specific age limit
- Eligibility:
- Researchers and health professionals involved in cancer prevention and control
- Fluent in English
- Priority is given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries
Modules Offered at the IARC Cancer Research Training Program
1. Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology
- Overview:
- Focuses on the practical application of epidemiological principles and methods in cancer control.
- Targets the search for cancer causes and the implementation of control programs.
- Structure:
- Online Part: May 12 – June 6, 2025
- Approximately 20 hours over 4 weeks
- Includes four live sessions of 1 to 1.5 hours
- Face-to-Face Part: June 23 – 27, 2025, at IARC, Lyon
- Online Part: May 12 – June 6, 2025
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand basic concepts of cancer epidemiology.
- Apply epidemiological methods to cancer research.
- Analyze and interpret epidemiological data.
2. Implementing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
- Overview:
- Provides a broad perspective on cancer prevention, early detection, and program implementation.
- Emphasizes principles, concepts, issues, and practices in the field.
- Structure:
- Prerequisite: Completion of the self-paced learning path “Introduction to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection”
- Online Part: May 26 – June 6, 2025
- Approximately 17 hours over 2 weeks
- Includes five live sessions of approximately 2 hours
- Face-to-Face Part: June 16 – 20, 2025, at IARC, Lyon
- Learning Objectives:
- Grasp the principles of cancer control and prevention strategies.
- Understand cancer risk factors and prevention approaches.
- Learn about the implementation and evaluation of screening programs.
Perks of IARC Research Training on Cancer Epidemiology, Detection and Prevention
- Registration fee covered which is valued at €1,800.
- Scholarships are available for eligible candidates, covering travel, accommodation, and living expenses.
- Learn from IARC faculty and international experts.
- Engage in multidisciplinary lectures and group work.
- Interact with participants from around the world.
- Foster international collaboration and expand your professional network.
- Participate in hands-on activities and site visits (for the Prevention module).
- Opportunity to meet IARC scientists for guidance and potential collaborations.
- Earn a recognized certificate after successful participation in all scheduled activities.
Benefits of the International Agency for Research on Cancer Summer School
- Deepen your understanding of cancer epidemiology and prevention.
- Acquire new skills applicable to your research or professional practice.
- Enhance your resume with international training from a reputable institution.
- Increase your prospects for future collaborations and projects.
- Improve your communication and teamwork skills through group assignments.
- Gain confidence in implementing cancer control strategies.
- Contribute to cancer prevention and control efforts in your home country.
- Become part of a global network striving to reduce the cancer burden worldwide.
Eligibility Criteria of WHO’s IARC Research Training Program 2025
- Cancer registry staff, epidemiologists, statisticians, physicians, oncologists, public health specialists, postgraduate students, and related professionals.
- Fluent in English, the working language of the course.
- Open to applicants from all countries, with priority given to those from low- and middle-income countries.
- As a prerequisite for the Prevention Module complete the self-paced learning path “Introduction to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection” available on the IARC Learning portal and get the certificate of completion which must be submitted with the application.
- Applicants must have a letter of support from their supervisor or institution, agreeing to their participation.
Important Dates of IARC Cancer Epidemiology Research Training
- Application Deadline: January 6, 2025 (12:00 midday CET)
- Notification of Results: From mid-February 2025
- Online Course Dates:
- Epidemiology Module: May 12 – June 6, 2025
- Prevention Module: May 26 – June 6, 2025
- Face-to-Face Course Dates in Lyon:
- Prevention Module: June 16 – 20, 2025
- Epidemiology Module: June 23 – 27, 2025
How to Apply to WHO’s Summer School for Cancer Detection and Prevention Research
- Decide between “Introduction to Cancer Epidemiology” or “Implementing Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.”
- Remember, you can only attend one module.
- Complete the prerequisite (For Prevention Module Only)
- Register on the IARC Learning Portal.
- Complete the self-paced course “Introduction to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.”
- Obtain the certificate of completion.
- Updated CV or resume.
- Letter of support from your supervisor or institution.
- Must be on official letterhead, dated, signed, and stamped.
- Certificate of completion for the prerequisite course (if applicable).
- Access the application form here.
- Complete all required fields in English.
- Upload the necessary documents.
- Indicate your interest in the IARC Scholarship within the application.
- Ensure your supervisor’s letter justifies the need for financial support.
- Review all information for accuracy.
- Submit before the deadline on January 6, 2025.
- Results will be communicated in mid-February 2025.
Required Documents for IARC Summer School 2025
- Completed Online Application Form
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailing your educational background and professional experience.
- Letter of Support from Supervisor/Institution: Must follow the guidance provided. Should be on official letterhead, signed, dated, and stamped.
- Certificate of Completion (For Prevention Module Applicants): From the self-paced course “Introduction to Cancer Prevention and Early Detection.”
- Proof of English Proficiency: If English is not your first language, provide evidence of proficiency.
- Copy of Passport or National ID
Country-Specific Criteria for the IARC Summer Research Training Program
- Applicants from low-income, lower-middle-income, or upper-middle-income countries are eligible.
- Check the World Bank Country Classification to confirm your country’s status.
- Participants are responsible for securing their visas to travel to France.
- IARC will provide support letters to facilitate the visa application process.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the program end date.
- Participants should have valid health insurance for the duration of their stay in France.
Additional Information for the Cancer Research Training Program by WHO and IARC
- Stable internet connection for online sessions.
- Desktop or laptop with a camera and microphone.
- Laptop for use during face-to-face sessions.
- The registration fee is €1,800.
- Applicants from high-income countries must pay the fee upon selection confirmation.
- Scholarships may cover the fee for eligible candidates.
- Participants must attend all scheduled activities, both online and face-to-face.
- Certificate of completion will only be awarded upon full participation.
For more information please visit the official WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer website.
