Course Leadership

Chairs: Marina Puchinskaya (BY), Anastasios Stathis (CH/GR), Bojana Stefanovska (USA/MK), Lorenza Wyder (CH)
Host Chair: Rafal Dziadziuszko (PL)
ESO Ambassador: Justyna Bochenek-Cibor (PL)

Course Overview

Advances in cancer research increasingly depend on effective collaboration between basic science and clinical oncology. Yet differences in language, methodology, and priorities often create gaps between the laboratory and the clinic. This course is designed to help bridge that gap by fostering a shared understanding of how discoveries move from experimental models to patient care and back again.

The course is aimed at basic and translational researchers looking to better understand how research is designed, implemented, and evaluated in the clinical setting, as well as clinicians working in oncology who wish to deepen their knowledge of preclinical and translational research and its role in drug development and clinical trials.

Through a structured programme combining lectures, keynote sessions, hands on discussions, and laboratory visits, participants will explore key topics across the research continuum from target selection, experimental models, and biomarker development to early  and late phase clinical trials, companion diagnostics, and statistical considerations. 
By bringing together experts from basic science, pathology, molecular diagnostics, biostatistics, and clinical oncology, this course provides a unique platform for interdisciplinary dialogue, learning, and networking. Participants will gain valuable insights into how different disciplines contribute to successful cancer research and will be better equipped to collaborate across the bench to bedside spectrum

VENUE

The course will be held at Medical University of Gdansk, Poland

LANGUAGE

The course will be held in English. No translation will be provided.

REGISTRATION FEE

Selected participants will be required to confirm their attendance by paying a registration fee of EUR 200,00. 
The fee includes:

• Access to the full course and its educational resources
• Up to 3 nights’ accommodation at event hotel (arrival: Thursday 8 October – departure: Saturday 10 or Sunday 11 October 2026)
• Meals as outlined in the programme

Travel costs are not covered and must be arranged independently.

ESO College members at the time of application will receive a 50% discount on the registration fee. 
The fee is a non-refundable contribution towards organisational costs and will not be reimbursed in the case of withdrawal or non-attendance, regardless of the reason. 

ACCREDITATION

A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of:

• 100% attendance at the in-person course
• Completion of the evaluation questionnaire and self-learning test

An application to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME) will be submitted to obtain CME credits.

ESO COLLEGE MEMBERSHIP

Participation in this course grants eligibility to join the ESO College and allows existing members to earn 12 ESO College credits toward their progression.
Visit ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits. 

INSURANCE

Participants are advised to take out personal and travel insurance. ESO is not responsible for incidents during the event. 

CONTACTS

Corinne Hall – chall@eso.net
Dolores Knupfer – dknupfer@eso.net

Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 (Applications will open shortly)

PARTICIPATION

The course is limited to 50 participants (25 clinicians and 25 researchers), selected through a competitive application.

Ideal candidate: 

• Researchers working in basic research
• Researchers working in translational research
• Clinicians working in oncology with an interest in preclinical, translational and clinical research.
• At least 2 years of experience in oncology (research or clinical)
• Fluency in English
• Reside within ESO’s geographical reach: Europe, Mediterranean countries, or Latin America 

HOW TO APPLY

If interested, please apply online. 
The application process involves completing an online questionnaire, where you will provide details about: 

• Your work experience and training
• Your research experience and publications
• Your motivation and personal commitment to participating in this activity

During the application, you will also need to upload the following documents in PDF format: 

• Recommendation letter: A letter from your head of department or mentor, written on official hospital letterhead and signed.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Clinical and Pre-Clinical Research Proposal/Project (optional)

Applicants are invited to submit a proposal or project of general interest (template above) outlining either a research project they are currently involved in or a research idea that may be exploratory or theoretical in nature, aimed at stimulating discussion in light of modern research strategies and future perspectives. Proposals do not need to be immediately feasible or ready for practical implementation.

Selected participants will have the opportunity to present and discuss their research project in the format of a slide presentation (max. 5 -10 min) to the participants and faculty members during the course (as mentioned in the programme). Please include up to 3 precise questions you would like to discuss with the group.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications are evaluated through a two-step process:

Automated Scoring: Some responses are assessed using a predefined scoring system to ensure fairness and consistency. Points are assigned based on your answers.

Committee Evaluation: Other sections, including your qualitative responses, are reviewed and scored by our selection committee.

This type of evaluation ensures a transparent and unbiased selection of top candidates for participation in this activity.
Before you start completing the online application form, please be sure you have all the requested files (CV, Recommendation letter, and Research proposal) ready to be uploaded to the system. Online applications will not be considered unless all the files are uploaded. 

Selected participants will be notified by end of June 2026. 

You will be asked to accept ESO’s Data Protection Statement during the application process.