ICF Travel Grant Support Programme

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,
• Bring practical knowledge and best practices back to their home institutions and communities.

Before applying, please consult the ESMO website to identify events aligned with your work.

What the grant covers

Each Travel Grant supports attendance at a selected ESMO event and may include:

• Reimbursement of travel and accommodation expenses
• Coverage of the registration fee for the selected ESMO event
• Possibility of covering one additional night of accommodation before or after the congress, if required for logistical reasons

Who can apply?

We welcome applications from:

• Healthcare professionals involved in oncology services,
• Leaders or members of patient advocacy organisations,
• Individuals committed to advancing cancer care and access in their communities.

Please note

• Maximum one grant per person per year

How applications are evaluated

Applications are reviewed by the International Cancer Foundation (ICF) based on the following criteria:

• Participation in an ESMO congress or related event
• Confirmed contribution to the congress (e.g., accepted abstract or poster)
• Geographic representation, with priority given to applicants from low- and middle-income countries
• Motivation and potential impact
• Reasonable budget request

As the number of applications often exceeds the available grants, meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding.

Recipient responsibilities

If selected, you agree to:

• Attend the event in full and in person (partial or virtual attendance may result in non-reimbursement),
• Confirm attendance by the deadline communicated by ICF (otherwise the grant may be reassigned),
• Include the ICF logo on any abstract/poster presented at the event,
• Provide a post-congress testimonial if requested (short written statement and/or brief video),
• Tag ICF on LinkedIn when posting about your participation (#InternationalCancerFoundation).

Application process

Before the congress

• Submit your application via the online form, including:
  • why you wish to attend,
  • how it supports your professional/advocacy goals and expected impact.
• You will be notified within two weeks of submission.
• If awarded, you are responsible for booking your travel and accommodation and completing the event registration.
• If needed, ICF can provide a visa support letter. Please note that ICF is unable to issue visa guarantees or assume responsibilities for visa applications or outcomes.

After the congress

• Submit the Statement of Expenses with supporting documents as one combined PDF (original invoices/receipts).
• Currency conversion: use OANDA exchange rates on the date of purchase, indicating both the local currency and EUR.
• Only include expenses for which reimbursement is requested.
• Ensure your bank account can receive international transfers.

Eligible expenses

Accommodation

• Mid-range hotel (booked by the recipient)
• Reimbursed after the event upon submission of receipts
• For shared accommodation (e.g., Airbnb): provide names of attendees and submit one consolidated expense form

Travel

• Economy-class airfare / second-class train ticket
• Fuel: EUR 0.60/km
• Taxis between: home–airport, airport–hotel, airport–congress venue (if applicable)

Visa fees

• Reimbursed upon proof of payment (submitted with other expenses)

Registration

• Reimbursed upon proof of payment

Non-eligible expenses

• Meals and per diems
• Phone/internet costs
• Hotel extras (minibar, laundry, etc.)

Questions?

Contact:

 

Download your Application Form