Interview with the Chairs of the ESTRO 2025 Young Track

As we prepare for ESTRO 2025, we are excited to bring you exclusive insights from the track chairs, who shape the scientific and educational programme. In this interview, the chairs of the Young Track highlight the key themes, innovations, and interdisciplinary perspectives of their area, and hence give you a preview of what to expect at the congress.

 

What makes the Young Track a standout opportunity for early-career professionals at ESTRO 2025?

Daniel: It is a chance to be with other early-career professionals and to share experiences.

Dylan: The Young Track this year is all about growth and development, approached from a positive perspective. As early-career professionals, we face challenges, but we also bring our own talents, fresh perspectives and new ideas. With warm and open support from seasoned colleagues, these can be fully realised. How can you foster your growth in this journey? How can you address challenges such as imposter syndrome or giving and receiving feedback? Come to the Young Track and immerse yourself in interactive sessions!

How does the Young Track address the evolving needs of the next generation in radiation oncology, including aspects such as career development?

Daniel: The Young Track offers talks and sessions on a wide range of issues, from tackling imposter syndrome, which is common in young professionals, to tips on switching roles or even countries!

Dylan: The Young Track was developed through insightful discussions of the scientific advisory group, which is composed of early-career professionals. The topics that will be presented in the sessions are therefore highly relevant and timely. As an ESTRO congress attendee, you will notice that a day goes by very quickly, and that is why we include interactive sessions during the Young Track to foster lasting connections. These sessions are intended to help you build a network of young peers that extends beyond the conference and provides support and opportunities for reflection and collaboration as you navigate your challenges.

What advice would you give to young professionals attending the ESTRO congress for the first time?

Daniel: Do not skip on participating in the Young Track. You are able to make long-term connections with people who are walking similar paths to you.

Dylan: Enjoy the experience! Take your time to explore—step into a session room and listen, wander around the industry exhibition, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Attend the sessions that genuinely interest you, even if they aren’t part of your professional track. If you have questions, feel free to ask the speakers, especially after the session! Spend time with your colleagues, but also try something bold—strike up a conversation with someone you don’t know while waiting for the next session. In short, don’t rush from session to session trying to catch everything. Remember, you can always check the sessions you missed at your own pace later. That’s how I approach it, and for me it works!

Are there any special features or sessions in this year’s Young Track that you’re especially excited about?

Daniel: This year we are pleased to have sessions that were suggested by our Young members. These target the skills that early-career professionals need, such as, how to read a paper critically and how to offer constructive feedback. We are also delighted to have a dedicated session on boosting young members’ confidence and tackling self-doubt.

Dylan: The congress is a highlight every year, and I’m excited about all the sessions, speakers, and (co-)chairs who will be delivering great content. It’s going to be an inspiring warm day on which meaningful connections will be made. Don’t worry if approaching someone seems challenging—this is a dynamic process, and during young Monday, the atmosphere will encourage you to link with others. To make that even easier, there’s also the speed-dating session. That’s what I’m most excited about!

How does the Young Track foster collaboration and networking among early-career professionals from different backgrounds and countries?

Daniel: Fostering collaboration is one of our core values at young ESTRO, and it is reflected in both our committee’s composition and our activities. We are continuing with our now staple mentoring programme and with our fast-paced speed-dating.

Dylan: Various initiatives will support this process: think of the mentioned speed-dating session and the young dinner, for example. You can build connections yourself, but we try to facilitate as many opportunities as possible to make that easier. I hope to see you around!

Chairs of the ESTRO 2025 Young Track​

     

Dylan Callens, RTT radiation therapist

Department of Radiation Oncology, UZ Leuven, Leuven

Laboratory of Experimental Radiotherapy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-callens/

 

  

Daniel Portik, MD