Melanoma Research Alliance: Exchange Patient Forum Scholarship Grant

The Melanoma Research Alliance is offering the Exchange Patient Forum Scholarship for 2026, aimed at melanoma patients, survivors, and caregivers. This scholarship includes travel support for attending a one-day forum in Washington, DC, designed to empower participants with the latest research and treatment insights. The event fosters connections within the melanoma community, featuring networking opportunities and collaboration with leading experts, ensuring participants leave with valuable knowledge and support.

2026 Melanoma > Exchange Patient Forum Scholarship
Each year, the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) hosts the Melanoma > Exchange Patient Forum, an exciting, free one-day program designed for patients, advocates, caregivers, and loved ones. This unique event brings together the melanoma community with world-renowned clinicians and researchers to share the latest advances in research and treatment, learn from each other, and leave empowered with knowledge and support.
To make it easier for patients and advocates to participate in the Patient Forum, MRA will be offering a limited number of travel scholarships for the 2026 event. Each scholarship includes: roundtrip economy fare airfare to Washington, DC, hotel accommodations for one night (or up to two nights for long-distance travelers), and a fixed-rate stipend (available upon request).

Eligibility

Scholarship Criteria and Considerations:History of Melanoma:Scholarships are designated for melanoma patients, survivors, and current/former caregivers.Geographic Diversity:Attendees from across the United States are encouraged to apply.Service to Community:Applicants should have strong connections to the melanoma community, at a national, state, or local level. This can include participation in programming at MRA (or other non-profit organizations), Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), or a local cancer center/hospital.Scholarship awardees are required to fully participate in all scheduled activities. The February 25th Patient Forum begins with registration and a networking brunch at 11am ET.That evening, Forum participants are also invited to attend a joint reception with attendees of MRA’s Scientific Retreat - an invitation-only, think-tank-style meeting held on February 26–27th.The Retreat is primarily for MRA funded scientists and researchers.