About
VCS-Dr. Gordon Theilen Resident Research Grant
Grant opportunities for member residents
The Veterinary Cancer Society (VCS) created the VCS-Dr. Gordon Theilen Resident Research Grant in 2016. This program, named after a great veterinary oncology pioneer, Dr. Gordon Theilen, provides grant opportunities for residents participating in AVMA-approved training programs with a goal of funding hypothesis driven, prospective studies that take approximately one year to complete. Over the past ten years, a total of 26 grants totaling $483,986 have been given to our member residents with recipients representing a wide variety of veterinary schools across the United States and Canada. When these projects are completed, the grant recipient presents his or her research at a VCS Annual Conference.
Eligibility:
- Any resident participating in an AVMA-approved training program is eligible to apply.
- Either clinical or basic research projects in the field of veterinary or comparative oncology are eligible for consideration.
- Resident must be a current member of the Veterinary Cancer Society and remain so for the duration of the trial.
- Those residents who receive a grant must present their project at a VCS Conference when complete. An abstract must be submitted and if accepted, will be assigned to either a poster or oral presentation.
2026-27 TIMELINE:
- Application announcement: July 7, 2026
- Deadline for receipt of applications: September 4, 2026
- Award announcements: November 13, 2026
- Funding to be distributed no later than January 11, 2027
- Projects must be completed within a 1-year time period
Over the past 10 years, a total of 26 grants totaling $483,986 have been given to our member residents with recipients representing a wide variety of veterinary schools across the US and Canada.
Dr. Samantha Beeson,
2026 Resident Grant recipient
Dr. Zahira Budeguer,
2026 Resident Grant recipient
Dr. Zachary Fawver,
2026 Resident Grant recipient
- Proposals will be reviewed by a committee comprised of VCS members with expertise in clinical and basic veterinary oncology research.
- Specific criteria used in consideration of proposals will include:
- Potential of the study to enhance existing scientific knowledge in the field of veterinary and/or comparative oncology
- Relevance of the proposal to existing scientific knowledge
- Feasibility of the study, including: likelihood of success in achieving study objectives and obtaining publishable results; appropriateness of study design; realistic time frame for completion (e.g., institutional case load for clinical proposals)
- Adequacy of facility space/infrastructure/equipment, prior research productivity
- Adequacy of Animal Involvement Justification (Protection/Safety)