UICC aims to nurture aspiring young cancer control professionals to become successful leaders in cancer control and the wider global health community. In order to do so, UICC offers a unique opportunity to become a UICC Young Leader and to be part of a global network of inspiring and ambitious young leaders in cancer control. Through the programme, UICC will facilitate opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, for networking and connecting with experienced leaders, and the chance to engage and participate in recognised international events. 

The next call for applications will be open from 25 April 2019 to 16 June 2019 (Midnight CEST).

Programme cycle

Each programme cycle lasts 12 months and selection occurs every other year. The Young Leaders Programme commences at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit (WCLS) the same year as the application and selection process. Young Leaders are accompanied by a group of past programme participants who act as ‘guides’ helping them get familiarised with the event and to make connections with relevant contacts. The WCLS provides an invaluable opportunity for learning and networking with influential international experts.

In the 12 months following the WCLS, Young Leaders must identify and attend a relevant cancer event, or organise a learning visit which aligns with their interests and expertise and leads to regional impact, or aims to initiate a regional collaboration.

The programme formally concludes at the World Cancer Congress (WCC) the following year, where Young Leaders attend and share best practices and lessons learnt through a dedicated session. The WCC is the ideal platform for further networking and international engagement.

Funding and support is provided to pursue the above three opportunities.

Eligibility and selection criteria

UICC defines a Young Leader as someone who:

• is up to and including 40 years of age at the application deadline
• is an emerging cancer control professional with demonstrated impact in their network/organisation 
• is fluent in English (both spoken and written) for successful interaction at an international level
• is a self-starter with proven experience in community engagement and mobilisation in their local setting
• has the ambition to scale their impact on a regional and global level

Benefits to Young Leaders

• Recognition and visibility: Young Leaders' are featured on the UICC website as well as at all relevant events. 
• Access: Young Leaders' enjoy exclusive access to events such as the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit which is a high-level, invite only event. They are eligible to attend UICC events such as the World Cancer Congress at discounted rates and have the opportunity to attend relevant regional meetings as a UICC ambassador/representative. Young Leaders’ also gain access to UICC resources such as online training opportunities and fellowship grants.
• Engagement: Young Leaders' always have a point of contact at the UICC secretariat in Geneva. They are offered the opportunity to join UICC Congress committees (for e.g. Abstract or Programme Committee) and relevant task forces depending on their expertise and interests.
• Community: Following completion of the programme, they join the existing group of alumni Young Leaders, a proactive community of cancer control professionals who engage with and support UICC’s work.

Expectations from Young Leaders

Young Leaders are expected to:

• adhere to the code of conduct set before the programme
• actively support other UICC Young Leaders’
• act as a UICC ambassador
• support UICC and provide guidance on specific areas of expertise, when relevant
• engage in UICC’s flagship events such as World Cancer Day

It is expected that where possible following the programme, Young Leaders will aim to attend the World Cancer Congress every other year and continue to contribute to the growing network of UICC Young Leaders.

Application process and selection committee

Applications are processed via a grant management system and include submission of an application form, a CV, and two professional reference letters. The selection of Young Leaders is conducted on the basis of merit to ensure that principles of equal opportunity are respected, while aiming to achieve gender and geographic balance. 

Applications are reviewed by a panel of international experts composed of UICC Board members.

Should you have any queries, please contact education@uicc.org. 

The UICC Young Leaders Programme is supported by Roche