ESPGHAN Research Academy

General Information

The ESPGHAN Research Academy:

Following a very successful first year of this programme with 25 delegates now continuing to their second year, we are launching a new call for the next generation of ESPGHAN researchers!

This initiative provides top-notch skills for young ESPGHAN members who are interested in a research-active career.

The Research Academy programme consists of a two-year online syllabus with comprehensive training in clinical, translational and basic science research methods. Topics include biostatistics, epidemiology, trial design and academic and research tools relevant to paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition.

Successful applicants will be provided with the opportunity to attend ESPGHAN courses, such as the Young Investigator Forum (YIF) and the ESPGHAN Basic Science School, to develop and improve basic and more advanced research skills.

Delegates will also participate in basic and advanced research workshops at ESPGHAN annual meetings with attendance costs covered by ESPGHAN.

During the second year, all delegates will be provided with the opportunity to travel for a two–to-three-month fellowship at a research centre of excellence, where they will participate in research activities and gain hands-on experience. The associated costs will also be covered by ESPGHAN.

The Research Academy also includes a research mentorship programme in which senior ESPGHAN members will be assigned as research mentors (one for each delegate).

At the end of the first year, delegates are expected to generate a research proposal. The six-to-ten highest ranked applications will be awarded an ignition grant of €7,000-€10,000.

If you are a young ESPGHAN member aspiring to push your academic career forward and take your research skills to the next level, join this elite group of young researchers and apply for the ESPGHAN Research Academy programme!

What you need to know

Application deadline: 31 August 2026

More Info: The 2026 Research Academy program will begin mid October 2026

Eligibility and Application

If you are a young, enthusiastic investigator aiming to bring your research skills in PGHAN to the next level, we invite you to apply for the ESPGHAN Research Academy in excellence program
ESPGHAN members in good standing (including young members, corresponding members and allied health professionals). Complete application must be sent to ESPGHAN Office and the following will be requested:

  • Completed online application form
  • Complete CV that should include a brief explanation of the candidate research career aims and a commitment to fully participate in the programme.
  • A letter of support/recommendation from the candidate's research mentor or any senior gastroenterologist.
  • Being an ESPGHAN member/trainee member/correspondent member or alternatively submitted all the required documents for the membership application.

Selection Process: 

Applicants’ eligibility and application documents will be checked by the ESPGHAN Office. All complete applications will be reviewed and scored by the Research Committee and the Research Academy faculty against the above listed criteria. All applicants will be notified of the selection results by the ESPGHAN Office within 4 weeks after the application deadline.   

CONTACT

If you have any questions, please contact the ESPGHAN Office for details.
Phone: +41 (0)22 9000 401
Email: office@espghan.org