Research Fellowship

Providing opportunities and support needed to develop high-quality research projects in either translational or clinical research.

ESMO Research Fellowship Programme: Translational and Clinical Fellowships

The ESMO Research Fellowship Programme provides support for both translational and clinical cancer research projects. Fellowships are awarded based on the quality of submitted proposals, as evaluated by the ESMO Leadership Development Committee. Each fellowship is designed as a one-year program, with opportunities to conduct research at leading international institutions.

Fellowship Types

Translational Fellowship

This fellowship offers young oncologists the opportunity to engage in advanced translational cancer research, bridging bench-to-bedside efforts at prestigious international centers. The program fosters global collaboration and career development.

Key Objectives:

• Receive comprehensive training in translational research at internationally recognized institutions.
• Collaborate with leading centers of excellence.
• Develop high-quality translational oncology research projects.

Clinical Fellowship

This fellowship focuses on clinical oncology research, allowing participants to work at top-tier international cancer centers. Fellows gain access to extensive professional networks and support to develop impactful clinical projects.

Key Objectives:

• Train in clinical research at world-class cancer centers.
• Build professional networks through collaboration with esteemed institutions.
• Advance clinical oncology research projects.

Read the reports from the previous awardees

Funding, Duration and Location  

• Grant Amount: €60,000 for a one-year project.
• Host Institute Support: €1,000 to cover administrative costs.
• Location: Global
• Availability: 10 fellowships annually. 

In the context of modern globalised cancer care, research projects in the fields of gender medicine and cancer care inequalities are also encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an ESMO member and aged 40 or younger at the time of application.
• Be a medical, radiation, or clinical oncologist engaged in cancer research or clinical practice.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English and/or the community language of the host institute.

Application Requirements

Applications must include the following documents, adhering to the provided templates:

1. Online Application Form
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 3 A4 pages) and List of Publications and Presentations (maximum 1.5 A4 pages):
   • Include up to 5 top-impact publications, ordered by impact factor, with the total number of publications (as first/last author and co-author).
   • Presentations should cover the past 5 years.
3. Research Proposal (including strategy, aims, and timeline).
4. Motivation Letter (maximum 2 pages): Explain project goals and how acquired techniques will benefit your home institute/country.
5. Acceptance Letter (1 page) from the host institute project mentor, on official letterhead.
6. Recommendation Letter (1 page) from the department head at the home institute, on official letterhead.

Important: Label all uploaded documents with your ESMO ID.

Please read the full Guidelines and Application Instructions for Research Fellowships before starting your application.

Review and Selection Process

The ESMO Leadership Development Committee evaluates applications based on:

• Overall quality and completeness of the application.
• Research project feasibility, methodology, and proposed analyses.
• Feasibility within the grant term (1 year) and budget.

The committee will determine whether the applicant receives a Translational or Clinical Fellowship. Preference is given to projects where both the host and home institute supervisors are ESMO members.

Additional Information

• Applications must be submitted in English.
• Incomplete applications, submissions not using templates, or those exceeding word/page limits established in the guidelines will not be accepted.
• Notifications will be sent in July 2025

Successful awardees will be invited to the YO Fellowship Session at ESMO 2025, with complimentary congress registration (travel and accommodation not included).

Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation email. If not, please contact fellowship@esmo.org.