ESMO Leaders Generation Programme

This intensive course has been designed for our most talented young oncologists – those who will shape the future of our profession. 

The ESMO Leaders Generation Programme was launched in 2016 to identify and nurture our future leaders, providing them with the opportunity to acquire new communication and leadership skills and learn about ESMO’s role in the world of oncology. 

Whilst this programme is only open to oncologists working in Europe, ESMO members working in the Asia-Pacific region can apply to the ESMO Leaders Generation Programme Asia. Further details can be found here. 

ESMO Leaders Generation Programme Europe 2023-2024

We are happy to announce the participants of the ESMO Leaders Generation Programme Europe 2023-2024:

Ilaria Colombo, Switzerland; Miguel Fernández de Sanmamed Gutiérrez, Spain; Valentina Gambardella, Spain; Maria Kfoury, France; Jonathan Lim, United Kingdom; Antonio Marra, Italy; Dominik Paul Modest, Germany; Brent O'Carrigan, United Kingdom; Marc Oliva, Spain; Ana Ortega-Franco, United Kingdom; Edvina Pirvu, Romania; Katarzyna Pogoda, Poland; Elie Rassy, France.

When does the programme take place? 

The programme will take place over two years:  

Year 1 

Part 1: 16-17 June 2023, Zurich (arrival on 15 June)
Introduction to ESMO and the World of Oncology​

Part 2: 17-18 November 2023, Lugano (arrival 16 November)
Leadership Training (including psychometric testing)​

Following the second part of the programme, participants will be divided into groups and assigned a project to be presented during Part 4 of the programme​

ESMO Congress 2023, Madrid (20-24 October) 
Opportunity to act as an observer in an ESMO Committee meeting or Working Group meeting​. Group project planning meetings.

Year 2 

Part 3: Two days, Spring 2024, Lugano
Communication Training

Part 4: One day, Summer 2024, Lugano
Project presentations

ESMO Congress 2024, Barcelona (13-17 September)
Leaders Generation Programme Graduation Ceremony

What is the course format? 

The programme consists of a mix of presentations, workshops in break-out groups, discussion sessions, and practical and situation-based training focusing on media and leadership. 

For the group project, the participants will be assigned a project centred on an ESMO strategic area and will be asked to present this project to the ESMO leadership.

There will be ample time to network with other attendees and the expert faculty consisting of ESMO leaders, other key opinion leaders, as well as external professional experts. 

Pre-course preparation and bridging assignments between the different parts of the programme are to be expected. 

Please note: since the ESMO Leaders Generation Programme will now take place over 2 years, applications will open every 2 years.

Who can apply to join? 

The programme is aimed at qualified medical or clinical oncologists working in Europe, aged between 31 and 45.  

Candidates must have been an ESMO member for a minimum of 2 years. Current ESMO Committee or Working Group Chairs are not eligible to apply for the programme. 

NB: Participants must commit to participating in all activities of the programme. 

When is the application deadline? 

Applications for the Leaders Generation Programme 2023-2024 are now closed.

How to apply? 

All candidates are required to complete the online application form and upload all required documents – we recommend having everything ready to hand before starting the process. Candidates may be asked to take part in a telephone interview.  

 Application must include: 

• Completed online application form, including details about your involvement with ESMO (attendance at ESMO events, travel grants received, fellowship programme participation, ESMO Examination, involvement with ESMO committees/activities), 
• CV, including list of publications and presentations (to be submitted using the template supplied).  
• Motivation statement. This should be a maximum of one A4 page in arial font, with a minimum font size of 11pt.  
• Recommendation letter (letter dated and signed by a senior colleague or mentor on official letterhead of their institute)

If you have questions, comments or are in need of more information, please contact us (select category ‘Leaders Generation Programme’)  

Incomplete applications, applications not using the supplied templates, or over the page limit will be rejected.

Please note: on submission of your application you should receive an email to confirm that your application has been submitted correctly. If you do not receive this, please contact lgp@esmo.org.

How does the selection process work? 

Participants will be selected by the ESMO Leadership based on the strength of their CV as well as their publication and presentation history, motivation statement and the recommendation letter from their senior colleague or mentor. 

What is included? 

Cost of participation on the course, course materials, travel and accommodation, including meals, will be covered by ESMO. Registration to the ESMO Congress and a travel grant to support attendance will also be provided.