Introduction to OECI Academy

In line with its mission to build a critical mass of skills and expertise to establish and uphold consensus on the best oncology models to effectively combat cancer, the OECI General Assembly on June 14, 2024, approved the establishment of the OECI Academy.

This Academy is dedicated to supporting educational activities for young scientists and doctors within the framework of EC research and health programmes.

The OECI Academy is committed to empowering early-career professionals in the field of oncology, equipping them with the scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and soft skills essential for advancing cancer research and patient care.

The long-term goal of the OECI Academy is to develop well-rounded scientists capable of conducting high-caliber innovative research, securing funding for their work, effectively communicating their findings to diverse audiences, and leading their teams with confidence and integrity.

The OECI Academy is structured as follows:

  • Scientific-Educational Coordination Office
  • Educational Operating Secretariat
  • Academy Secretariat

On January 16, 2025 at 2 PM, the official launch webinar of the OECI Academy was broadcasted, attracting a total of 62 participants from 15 different European countries.

OECI Academy Team

President and Chairperson OECI EU Affairs
Giovanni Apolone

Italy

OECI Academy Scientific Coordinator
Chiara Gabbi

Italy

Member of OECI Board of Directors
Per Anders Sandström

Sweden

OECI General Manager
Claudio Lombardo

Belgium - Italy

Member of OECI Academy Scientific Board
Carla Finocchiaro

Italy

OECI Academy Calendar

Application and Fees
  • Webinars are free of charge for OECI members.
  • Residential course will be offered by OECI to 25 applicants + partial fellowships will be given to additional 25 participants.
  • A certificate will be given at the end of the academy for those participating in all the event.
  • Educational material will be available together with the recorded lectures.
  • To register: visit the OECI Academy webpage and follow social media www.oeci.eu/OeciAcademy.aspx
20 Feb, 2025 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Research Funding
Webinar 1
Horizon Europe – Mission cancer
MSCA Fellowships
ERC Grants
MSCA success story – tips from an awardee
ERC success story – tips from an awardee
Stojan Sorcan
NCP Horizon Europe MSCA, SL
Colm J O’Rourke
University of Copenhagen, DK
Silvia Affò
IDIBAPS, Barcelona, ES

Training session to gain valuable insights on some of the most impactful funding opportunities sponsored by the Horizon Europe program, for early-stage professionals in the oncology field.

Horizon Europe – Mission Cancer: the initiative aims at improving through research the lives of cancer patients and accelerating the development of effective treatments.

MSCA Fellowships (Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions): learn about the excellent opportunities provided by MSCA Fellowships for researchers to enhance their skills, gain international experience, and build their professional networks

ERC Grants (European Research Council): get detailed information on ERC Starting and Consolidator Grants, which offer substantial funding for early- and mid-career researchers with the potential to become future leaders in their fields.

20 Mar, 2025
Call for Applications and their Analysis
Webinar 2
How to find the best funding mechanism for your proposal
Web search engines for grants
How to read a call for applications
17 Apr, 2025
Basic Principles of Grantsmanship
Webinar 3
Grantsmanship
Principles of Scientific Writing
What a reviewer expects - the review process
Basic tips on grant design and funding planning
Oct, 2025
Grantsmanship
Residential Course
Master grant writing
Formulate a well-organised research plan
Navigate the review process
Enhance research impact
Develop key components

Date and place to be announced by April 2025 when the call for applications will open

Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, participants will have gained the ability to:

  • Comprehend and implement the fundamental elements of a grant application.
  • Navigate through all stages of the review process with understanding and confidence.
  • Formulate a well-organized research plan that includes a clear and testable hypothesis, defined aims (both specific objectives and long-term goals), a critical literature review, and suitable, feasible methodologies.
  • Understand the essential principles of sample size calculation.
  • Demonstrate that the proposed research is highly innovative and has significant implications for human health and society.
  • Articulate the importance and relevance of the project to the funding agency.
  • Craft an engaging biosketch and personal statement that effectively highlight one’s qualifications and motivations.
  • Detail the resources and infrastructure available at the host institutions, emphasizing how they will support the proposed research.
  • Accurately calculate costs and formulate a realistic budget.
20 Nov, 2025
Grant Management
Webinar 4
The grant and consortium agreements
Principles of grant management
Data management
Real world practice of research funding: a case study

OECI Academy Contacts

Email
academy@oeci.eu

Social Media
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/oeci/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/oecieu
X (Twitter): x.com/OECI_EEIG

#OECIAcademy

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