ESMO Leadership Programme

The ESMO Leadership Programme has been restructured into a single, global initiative aiming at providing participants with comprehensive leadership and communication skills, fostering a global network of emerging oncology leaders.

ESMO Leadership Programme 2025–2026

Programme Overview

The 2025-2026 programme includes a mix of online and in-person components. It is structured into seven main modules:​

Module 1: Introduction to ESMO and the World of Oncology

• Date: Thursday 11 September 2025,14:00-15:30 CEST
• Format: Online sessions​
• Content: Overview of ESMO's mission, structure, and activities; insights into the global oncology landscape.​

Module 2: Leadership Training

• Date: 15-16 October​ 2025
• Format: In-person
• Location: Berlin, Germany (aligned with ESMO Congress 2025)​
• Content: Leadership concepts and strategies; emotional intelligence and presence; conflict management; team development; mentorship and sponsorship; network building.​

Module 3: Overcoming Leadership Challenges (two groups)

• Date: January 2026 (Exact dates TBC)
• Format: Online sessions​
• Content: Diversity and equality; gender; burnout and resilience; copying strategies

Module 4: Communication and Media Training

• Date: February 2026​ (Thursday 19 – Saturday 21 February 2026)
• Format: In-person
• Location: Lugano, Switzerland​
• Content: Public speaking and presentation skills; body language and personal presence; media training; managing difficult conversations; project and time management.​

Module 5: Compliance & Ethics

• Date: April 2026 (Exact dates TBC)
• Format: online session
• Content: Explore ethical dilemmas in oncology and industry collaborations.

Module 6: Scientific Publishing

• Date: June 2026 (Exact dates TBC)
• Format: online session
• Content: Learn strategies for impactful publishing.

Module 7: Graduation

• Date: October 2026 at the ESMO2026 Congress
• Format: In-person
• Location: ESMO Congress 2026​
• Content: graduation ceremony

Who Can Apply?

The programme is aimed at qualified medical or clinical oncologists aged between 31 and 45 from around the world. Candidates must have been ESMO members for a minimum of 2 years. Current ESMO Committee or Working Group Chairs or Task Force are not eligible to apply. Participants must commit to participating in all activities of the programme.

Application Process

Applications for the ESMO Leadership Programme 2025–2026 will open in May 2025. All candidates are required to complete the online application form and upload all required documents. Incomplete applications or those not adhering to the guidelines will be rejected.​

Selection Process

Participants will be selected by the ESMO Leadership Development Committee based on the strength of their CV, publication and presentation history, motivation statement, and recommendation letter. Up to 16 places are available, with a balance between female and male participants observed during selection.​

Programme Costs

The cost of participation, course materials, travel, accommodation, and meals will be covered by ESMO. 

For further information or questions, please contact us.