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. The 2026 Patient Forum will take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in Washington, DC and virtually.

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).

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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.

To be considered for a scholarship, please complete the online application by Monday, October 13, 2025.

Scholarship Application Timeline

• Application deadline: October 13, 2025
• Notification of awards: November 14, 2025

‍MRA staff may contact applicants during the review process for clarification or additional information.

Attendance and Expectations

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.

‍Please note: The Patient Forum and the Scientific Retreat are two separate events. Registration for the Patient Forum does not provide access to the Scientific Retreat beyond the opening evening reception.

Application Questions (please provide no more than 150 words per answer)

1. Provide a brief statement summarizing your experience and interests related to melanoma.
2. Describe your current familiarity with the melanoma research landscape. What aspect of melanoma research are you most interested in (prevention, earlier detection, novel treatment strategies, etc.)?
3. How are you currently involved with the melanoma community at a national, state, or local level? Examples may include participation in programs hosted by MRA or other non-profit organizations, CDMRP, or services hosted by a local hospital or cancer center.
4. Have you participated in MRA’s Patient Forum before? If so – what did you get out of it? If you haven’t – what do you hope to get out of this experience?
5. What inspired you to apply for this opportunity?

All applications MUST be submitted through the online application no later than October 13, 2025. Late – or incomplete – applications will not be accepted.

COVID-19 Policy

MRA's 2026 Melanoma Exchange & Scientific Retreat will follow all published national and state COVID-19 guidelines in effect at the time of the event.

Questions

Any questions or concerns about the scholarship application process should be directed to Renee Orcione at rorcione@curemelanoma.org.