ESGAR: Programmes

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 is currently closed.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Miguel Servet University Hospital Zaragoza, Spain

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

Prof. Luis Ros Mendoza

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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