The International Cancer Foundation (ICF) offers a limited number of Travel Grants to help healthcare professionals and patient advocates attend eligible ESMO congresses and events.
The programme aims to reduce financial barriers, facilitate access to scientific and educational exchange, and strengthen cancer care and advocacy worldwide.
About the Programme
ICF Travel Grants support participation in selected ESMO events to help recipients:
- Access high-quality scientific training and exchange
- Build international networks
- Apply relevant knowledge and experience in their institutions, organisations and communities
Before applying, please consult the ESMO website to identify events aligned with your work and read the detailed ICF Travel Grant Programme Guidelines available for download on this page.
What the Grant May Cover
An approved Travel Grant may contribute towards reasonable congress-related expenses, including:
- Congress registration
- Economy-class airfare or second-class rail travel
- Reasonable mid-range accommodation
- Necessary local transport
- Visa fees
ICF Travel Grants are provided on a reimbursement basis. Recipients must normally cover their own expenses first. Reimbursement is processed after the congress and is based on actual eligible expenses supported by the required documents, up to the approved grant amount.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are welcome from:
- Healthcare professionals involved in oncology and cancer care
- Leaders or members of patient advocacy organisations
- Individuals whose work contributes to improving cancer care, cancer control, access to treatment or patient advocacy
A maximum of one ICF Travel Grant may be awarded to the same person per calendar year, based on the date of the congress or event attended.
How Applications Are Assessed
Funding is limited and applications are assessed competitively.
Priority is generally given to applicants who:
- Reside and work in low- and middle-income countries
- Have a confirmed congress contribution, such as an accepted abstract, poster, ePoster, oral presentation or other official role
- Demonstrate a clear professional or advocacy benefit
- Explain how they will apply the knowledge, experience or contacts gained
- Submit a reasonable and clearly explained budget
An accepted abstract is not mandatory, but applicants with a confirmed congress contribution are generally prioritised.
Meeting the eligibility or prioritisation criteria does not guarantee funding.
Application and Review
Applicants must submit a complete, dated and signed application form together with the relevant supporting documents.
Applicants who have submitted or intend to submit an abstract should indicate this in their application. If accepted, the official notification should confirm the abstract title, presentation type and whether in-person attendance is required or expected.
ICF normally aims to communicate an outcome within approximately two weeks after receiving a complete application. Applications awaiting an abstract decision or additional information may take longer.
Approved recipients are responsible for registering directly with ESMO or the congress organiser, arranging and paying for their own travel and accommodation, keeping all supporting documents, and attending the congress in full and in person.
Please consult the downloadable guidelines for full information on eligibility, visa support, eligible and non-eligible expenses, recipient responsibilities and reimbursement requirements.