The ESMO Leadership and Career Development Award is a 1-year program designed to support emerging oncology leaders worldwide through protected time to deliver a clinical/translational research or capacity‑building project, paired with structured leadership training.
It includes an ESMO Leadership Training curriculum (online modules plus in‑person workshops connected to the ESMO Annual Congress) and opportunities to contribute to an ESMO scientific project (e.g., guidance documents).
Up to 30 awards are distributed globally, with applications assessed across geographical regions to support fair comparison across different settings.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be an ESMO member.
- Must be a medical doctor.
- Must be age 30–45 at time of application.
- Not eligible if previously participated in ESMO Leaders Generation / ESMO Leadership Programme or previously received an ESMO Research Fellowship.
- Award can be carried out at any institution worldwide, including the applicant’s home institution.
Funding Details:
- €60,000 for 100% guaranteed protected time, or €30,000 for 50% protected time.
- Free registration for two ESMO Annual Congress editions plus one other ESMO meeting (regional or relevant to field).
- Applicant must use award funding or other resources to cover travel and accommodation.
- Includes structured leadership training and optional contribution to an ESMO project.
Deadline:
- ESMO’s 2026 Fellowship Programme announcement lists Application deadline: 3 May 2026.
Further Information:
- Program details page.
- ESMO Fellowship Programme announcement (deadline).