ESGAR: Programmes

ESGAR Junior Research Mentorship Starter Programme 2023/2024

The ESGAR Research Committee and Young ESGAR are proud to present the 2023-2024 ESGAR junior research mentorship starter programme.

The junior starter programme is designed as a peer-to peer mentoring programme where junior researchers can learn from their more experienced peers. One mentee will be assigned to one mentor (exception will be made if 2 mentees are from the same institution and want to share a project)

Junior researchers, i.e. residents or young consultant radiologists, who have no or very limited experience in research and seek guidance to set up a first (small scale) research project.

Junior resident or radiologist (<35 years)
Being an ESGAR member in good standing
No or limited previous experience in research (no PhD)
No or limited experience in presenting scientific or (educational) work at past ESGAR meetings
Motivated to complete small-scale project within a 1 years’ time period, aiming to submit an abstract for ESGAR 2024

Intermediate / sub-senior level, experienced in research (PhD-level), with previous experience in presenting research at the ESGAR annual meeting.

The aim of the peer-to-peer programme is to follow a stepwise approach (incl. a minimum of 5 meetings) aiming to complete a small-scale research project and prepare a submission for the 2024 annual meeting. This can either be a scientific abstract or an educational (poster) submission. The role of the mentor will be to offer general advice, guidance and feedback. The mentor will not actively participate in the research project itself, nor will the mentee be involved in research projects of the mentor.

Preparation (Oct-Dec 2022)
- Application opens
- Assign mentees to mentors
Step 1 (Kick off) – How to find a topic (Jan-Feb 2023)
- Mentors get acquainted with mentees
- Discussion on how find a suitable topic of research
- Assignment for mentees: come up with 1-3 potential topics for a research project to be sent to mentors in preparation for next meeting
Step 2 – How to prepare your project (March-May 2023)
- Mentees receive feedback on their proposed research topics
- Discussion on how to set up your project, e.g. define SMART goals , divide the work, specify a timeline and set realistic deadlines
- Assignment for mentees: write 1-page project plan to be sent to mentors in preparation for next meeting and initiate first steps to start their project
Step 3 – How to monitor your progress and achieve your goals (May-Aug 2023)
- Mentees receive feedback on their project plan
- Mentees give an update on the progress of their project
- Discussion on how to monitor your project, incl. tips and tricks on time management and important pitfalls, do’s and don’ts
- Assignment for mentees: write 1-page project update (incl. preliminary results, if any) in preparation for next meeting

Step 4 – How to analyse your data and report your results (Sept-Oct 2023)
- Mentees give an update on the progress of their project and receive feedback from mentors
- Discussion on how to analyse your data (incl. tips on statistics) and how to convert your results into a good quality scientific or educational abstract.
- Assignment for mentees: analyse results and write draft abstract in preparation for next meeting
Step 5 – How to finalise and submit your abstract (Nov 2023-Jan 2024)
- Mentees receive feedback on their preliminary abstracts
- Discussion on how to optimise your abstract and prepare submission for ESGAR 2024
- Assignment for mentees: finalise abstract and submit to ESGAR 2024 (if feasible)
Follow-up and finalisation of mentorship programme:
- Mentees and mentors will stay in touch to monitor progress of abstract submission
- When accepted, mentors can optionally offer additional guidance to help the mentees in preparing their work during ESGAR 2024

The application deadline for the 2023-2024 Mentorship programme has expired. Congratulations to the successful candidates:

Mentee	Mentor
Ana Beatriz Fevereiro, Vila Real/PT	Gauraang Bhatnagar, Frimley/UK
Stavroula Tzamouri, Athens/GR	Stephanie Nougaret, Montpellier/FR
Mathilde Vionnet, Poitiers/FR	Davide Ippolito, Monza/IT
Tong Xiao Xiao, Padova/IT	Boris Guiu, Montpellier/FR
Atenea Morcillo Cabrera, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria/ES	Max Lahaye, Amsterdam/NL
Alberto Barbosa, Matosinhos/PT	Isabelle De Kock, Ghent/BE
Miljana Bubanja, Belgrade/RS	Kieran Foley, Llantrisant/UK
Francesco Marcello Arico, Messina/IT	Sara Upponi, Cambridge/UK
Gianluca Gullo, Catania/IT	Jamie Franklin, Oxford/UK
Mathieu Lefrere, Bonheiden/BE	Manil Chouhan, London/UK
Fernanda Mazzucato, Sao Paulo/BR	Katya de Paepe, Cambridge/UK
Anisha Bhagwanani, London/UK	Elleke Dresen, Leuven/BE
Pooja Hegde, Lancaster/UK	Thomas Mang, Vienna/AT

ESGAR Research Fellowship Programmes

The fellowship aims to support European research projects in abdominal imaging for ESGAR members. The fellowship is intended for early-career researchers that have already an active research program or with (initial) experience in research procedures, including obtaining ethical permissions, data acquirement, review of study images or procedures, data management, multidisciplinary collaboration with statisticians/clinicians/clinical scientists, post-processing, preparing oral/written presentations and writing articles.

The fellowship is planned to begin in autumn of 2024 with the exact date being decided between the training centre and the fellow.

The application for the Research Fellowship at Montpellier Cancer Institure is still possible until April 5, 2024.

Research Fellowship in Abdominal and Pelvic Imaging at the Montpellier Cancer Institute

The Montpellier Cancer Institute (ICM) in the south of France focuses on patient-centered cancer care and has shaped every aspect of the Department of Radiology at ICM including staffing, imaging equipment, organizational structure and beyond. The team of the Department of Radiology includes experts in various subspecialties of oncologic imaging. Clinical imaging has a special focus on pancreatic cancer, peritoneal carcinomatosis and rectal cancers. The strong collaboration between the clinical departments (radiation oncology, surgery and oncology), the pathology department and the department of radiology allows optimal patient management and fruitful research. A research lab on imaging biomarkers using an MRI 9.4T and a dedicated PETCT for small animals favours translational research. The research fellowship will offer both a great exposure in term of clinical cases and very large research possibilities.

Duration and funding:
The starting date of the fellowship will be decided in agreement between the centre and the fellow and will last for 12 months. The fellow will receive a monthly grant of € 1.800,00 to contribute to housing / living expenses.

Eligibility:

This exchange programme applies to radiologists within the first three years after certification.
The candidate should preferably have experience in conducting research.
He/She should have basic skills in medical database handling.
The candidate should be fluent in English and have communicative skills.
He/She should have experience in scientific English writing.
The successful candidate will have to make himself/herself available for an interview online.
Must be an ESGAR member in good standing.

How to apply:
Applicants are asked to submit the following documents in pdf format to Central ESGAR Office.

A current CV
Letter of motivation
Confirmation letter by chief of applicants' own institution detailing full permission to undertake the fellowship

Please indicate "ESGAR Research Fellowship Montpellier" in the subject line and include your membership status in your application.

Certification:
After successful completion of the fellowship the trainee receives a certificate from ESGAR and Montpellier Cancer Institute.

Reporting:
Upon completion of the fellowship, the fellow must present a written report about his/her activities during the programme within four weeks.

Feedback from ESGAR Research Fellows

Fellow: Dr. Nino Bogveradze (American Hospital Tbilisi, Georgia)

Training Centre: Netherlands Cancer Institute
Training Period: October 2020 - October 2021

It is with great gratitude that I wish to thank ESGAR for the opportunity to undertake the research fellowship within the department of radiology at the Netherlands Cancer Institute. The one-year fellowship in research under the expert guidance of Prof. Regina Beets-Tan and Dr. Doenja Lambregts was an unforgettable experience. From the outset I was welcomed into their department and research team in one of the leading comprehensive cancer centers in Europe, where I was supported and empowered to engage in research and learn from leading experts in this field. I would like to compare the team at the NKI to a family. A family with amazing members who are experts in their fields and with whom it has been a great pleasure to work with and learn from. Within the radiology department at the NKI there is ongoing research in almost every field of oncologic imaging, including cutting-edge developments such as AI. I have to thank an amazing radiologist, true professional, and my good friend Dr. Doenja Lambregts who was always been there to guide me in my research and support me no matter what. I would also like to thank Dr. Max Lahaye who was also actively involved in my projects and always available to advise me and share his opinions. I would like to thank Dr. Monique Maas and my fellow PhD students at the NKI who were always happy to support me in my projects. Finally, I owe great thank to Prof. Beets-Tan who welcomed me so graciously into her team.

Fellow: Mohamed Adel Abdelatty Elsayed (Cairo University Hospitals, Egypt)

Training Center: Netherlands Cancer Institute
Training Period: October 2022 - September 2023

I had the privilege of being a part of Prof. Regina Beets-Tan's esteemed research group at the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital for an entire year, and I must say that it has been an extraordinary journey. This enriching experience has been nothing short of transformative, allowing me to elevate my research skills to a whole new level. I've had the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, delving into the complex world of AI in oncologic imaging, which has not only deepened my understanding but also opened up exciting possibilities for the future. In addition to my individual project, I actively participated in 11 research projects of colorectal imaging and AI in oncologic imaging, most of them are in the final stages of data analysis and manuscript preparation.
The collaborative spirit within the research group, particularly among the PhD students and postdocs, has been exceptional. Their unwavering support, willingness to share knowledge, and friendly attitude have made this journey even more enjoyable. The good-spirited times we shared, whether during formal meetings or over a cup of coffee, have fostered a sense of belonging and teamwork that I will always cherish. I would like to extend my gratitude to Prof. Geerard Beets, Dr Max Lahaye and postdoc Stefano Trebeschi for their insightful support and guidance to execute my individual project.
Lastly, Amsterdam, with its vibrant culture, has provided the perfect backdrop for this research fellowship. Exploring the city during my time off has not only been a delightful escape but has also added a unique layer to this unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, my year with Prof. Beets-Tan's research group has been an enriching and memorable chapter in my academic and personal life. I am immensely grateful for the knowledge gained, the relationships forged, and the incredible support I've received throughout this fellowship. It has truly been a pleasure, and I eagerly anticipate carrying the invaluable lessons and experiences forward in my career.

ESGAR Visiting PhD Student Programme

The one or two-week visit will allow the applicant to create contact with a research institutions listed on the ESGAR Research map. During the visit, the student will gain experience with the research programme at the host department. The visit may also provide an opportunity to participate in some research, like inter-observer study with appropriate permissions. After the visit, it is hoped that the student will maintain contact with the department as they develop their research career.

Please note that the visiting PhD Students have to cover transport, food and accommodation expenses.
PhD Students have the opportunity to apply for a 500.00 Euro travel grant by completing and submitting this form.

Please contact your preferred institution directly - the email should contain:

Curriculum vitae of the applicant
Information of PhD study title and initiation date.
Confirmation letter by the head of the applicant’s department detailing that full permission is given to the applicant to undertake a week visit at the host institution
Letter of motivation

University College London, United Kingdom

Research topics: Crohns imaging, Colorectal cancer diagnosis and imaging, statistics and prognostic modelling
Availability: One week visit
Which research area (s) is open for a visit: Crohn's imaging
Can the centre help with student accommodation: Yes (Possibly)
Ultrasound / CT / MRI Information: MRI and US and Crohn's disease

Prof. Stuart Taylor

Find out more

Kings’ College London and Guy’s & St Thomas’ Hospitals London, United Kingdom

Research topics: Cancer; Inflammation and infection; Interventional oncology; Quantitative biomarkers; Artificial intelligence; Novel PET tracers; PET/MRI; High and low field MRI
Availability: One or two weeks visit
Which research area (s) is open for a visit: Cancer; Quantitative biomarkers; Artificial intelligence
Can the centre help with student accommodation: Maybe – dependent on availability
Ultrasound / CT / MRI Information: CT: 8 clinical scanners (4 dual source CTs), MRI: 8 clinical scanners (1.5T and 3T); 5 research scanners (0.55 to 7T)

Prof. Vicky Goh

Find out more

San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy

Research topics: Liver imaging, Functional imaging (CT and MIR), Bowel imaging (Crohn's disease CT and MRI), Autoimmune liver disease and primary sclerosing cholangitis, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Lymphoproliferative disease, Rectal cancer, acute abdominal imaging
Availability: Two weeks visit
Which research area (s) is open for a visit: Liver disease, radiomics and functional imaging
Can the centre help with student accommodation: no
Ultrasound / CT / MRI Information: N° 3 COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANNER (ALL OF THEM 256 ROW CT), N° 4 MRI SCANNER (3 SCANNER 1.5T and 1 scanner 3T), N° 6 ULTRASOUND SCANNER (STATE OF THE ART)

Dr. Davide Ippolito

Find out more

Ospedale G.B. Rossi, University of Verona, Italy

Research topics: Colorectal Cancer, MRI, US
Availability: One week visit
Which research area (s) is open for a visit: Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology in Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic oncology, Radiomics in Hepato-Bilio-Pancreatic oncology
Can the centre help with student accommodation: no
Ultrasound / CT / MRI Information: 4 US equipments; contrast-enhanced US examinations performed as routine clinical practice; 1 day/week is dedicated to hepatic/pancreatic FNA/biopsy; availability of fusion imaging, 2 CT scanners (dual energy 128 rows + single energy 64 rows) equipped with CT fluoroscopy for interventional procedures, 2 MR scanners (1,5 T + 3 T)

Dr. Riccardo De Robertis

Find out more

University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark

Research topics: Colorectal Cancer, MRI, US
Availability: One week visit
Which research area (s) is open for a visit: Colorectal cancer
Can the centre help with student accommodation: tbc
Ultrasound / CT / MRI Information: 4 ultrasound scanners including endorectal ultrasound with SWE, 5 CT scanners incl 2 dual source, 4 MRI units (Philips) (3: 1.5T, 1: 3.0T)

Prof. Soeren Rafaelsen

Find out more

Miguel Servet University Hospital Zaragoza, Spain

Availability: One or two weeks visit
Can the centre help with student accommodation: no

Prof. Luis Ros Mendoza

Find out more

Information for Training Centres

ESGAR is always looking for additional institutions that are interested in hosting a PhD student for a week. The visit will allow the applicant to create contact with a research active institution, and during the week visit, the student will gain experience with the research program at the host department. The visit may for example also provide an opportunity to participate in some research eg an inter-observer study with appropriate permissions. After the visit, it is hoped the student will maintain contact with the department as they develop their research career.

Requirements:

ESGAR Fellow or Head of Radiological Research Departments registered on ESGAR's research map have the opportunity to indicate whether there is room for a PhD student one or two-week visit in their department.

Please complete this form and send it to the ESGAR Office