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 open in April 2019.

Programme cycle

Each programme cycle lasts 12 months and 7 leaders will be selected every other year. The Young Leaders Programme will commence at the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit (WCLS) the same year they are selected. The new Young Leaders will be accompanied by a group of past participants in the programme who will act as ‘guides’ helping them get familiarised with the event and to make connections with relevant contacts. The WCLS will provide an invaluable opportunity for learning and networking with influential international experts.

In the 12 months following the WCLS, the Young Leaders will be expected to attend a relevant regional cancer event, or organise a study visit to a regional institution which aligns with their interests and expertise, and which aims to initiate significant regional collaboration.

The programme will formally conclude at the World Cancer Congress (WCC) in the following year, where Young Leaders will 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 will be provided to pursue the above three opportunities.

Young leader profile and application criteria

UICC defines a young leader as being someone who is:

• up to and including 40 years of age at the application deadline
• an established cancer control professional with demonstrated impact in his/her network/organisation
• a self-starter with proven experience in community engagement and mobilisation
• fluent in English (both spoken and written) for successful interaction at an international level

Application guidelines can be downloaded below. 

UICC Young Leaders Programme Application Guidelines

Benefits to Young Leaders

• Recognition and visibility: Young Leaders will be profiled and showcased on the UICC website as well as at all relevant events. 
• Access: Young Leaders will enjoy exclusive access to events such as the World Cancer Leaders’ Summit which is a high-level, invite only event. 
• Engagement: Young Leaders will always have a point of contact at the UICC secretariat in Geneva. They will be offered the opportunity to join UICC Congress committees (for e.g. Abstract or Programme Committee) or task forces depending on their interests and expertise. 
• Community: Young Leaders will join the prestigious and existing group of Young Leaders alumni, 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’
• support UICC’s ambitions to grow its membership base
• occasionally support UICC with expert advice and guidance on specific areas
• act as a UICC ‘ambassador’ and promote our agenda in their local, national, and regional context
• engage in UICC’s flagship events such as World Cancer Day and seek to attend the World Cancer Congress every other year

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 will be processed via a grant management system and will include submission of an application form, a CV, and two reference letters. The selection of 7 young leaders will be conducted on the basis of merit to ensure that principles of equal opportunity are respected, while aiming to achieve gender and geographic balance. 

Applications will be 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