Course directors 

• Eric Lartigau, Radiation Oncologist, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille (FR)

Teachers 

• Carsten Brink, Physicist, Odense University Hospital, Odense (DK)
• Felipe Calvo, Radiation Oncologist, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Madrid (ES)   
• Reijer Rutgers, Radiation Therapist, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht (NL) 
• Marielle Philippens, Medical Physicist, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht (NL)  
• Nick Reynaert, Medical Physicist, Institut Jules Bordet, Brussels (BE) 
• Heinz-Peter Schlemmer, Radiologist, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg (DE)
• Lenny Verkooijen, Methodologist, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht (NL)  

Attendants to the Masterclass should submit a proposal or idea for a research project, or a scientific paper to be further improved under supervision of a team of internationally renowned scientists. By discussing the submitted proposals and ideas in small groups in a safe and friendly atmosphere, attendants will learn by example from their peers and the attending faculty how to turn an initial idea into a successful project with scientific output. Leading the discussions are questions such as: “What are the interesting research hypotheses and messages and how can they be improved?”, and “Why would others be interested in reading my paper?”

In addition, expert faculty members will highlight current trends and discuss important unresolved issues with future research opportunities. Some general aspects of scientific research (e.g. paper and grant writing) will also be covered by lectures. Ample time will be allotted for discussions with faculty members and fellow attendants, allowing development of new, potentially long lasting, scientific/mentorship relationships.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course participants should be able to:

• Critically validate and enhance the quality of research projects concerning novelty, potential impact, urgency, feasibility and risk 
• Effectively discuss research ideas/projects with colleagues to maximise scientific value 
• Discuss current trends and research opportunities in new technology implement

Course content

1. Discussions on research projects submitted by participants, aiming at improving the projects, and to learn, by example from peers and the expert faculty, how to turn research ideas into a successful project

2. Lectures 

• Trends, unresolved issues and research opportunities in MR imaging in radiotherapy (including dose painting) 
• Tips and tricks for writing a successful grant proposal 
• Tips and tricks for writing a scientific paper and getting it accepted 
• Grant opportunities in Europe.

Methods of assessment

Evaluation form

Teaching methods

• 2 days for presentation of submitted research projects, discussions and working on the improvement of projects 
• 1,5 days of lectures.

Programme

The draft programme is available here

Key Words

• New technology
• Research
• Validation
• Implementation

Further reading / web resources

To be provided if available

Accreditation

Application for CME and recognition will be submitted to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME), an institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS). EACCME credits are recognised by the American Medical Association towards the Physician’s Recognition Award (PRA). Information on the status of the applications can be obtained from the ESTRO office.

How to apply

Anyone interested can submit a proposal or idea for a research project, or a scientific paper, etc. Proposals/ideas for research must be submitted by 1 September 2021 in pdf format with a maximum 750 words. 

The content should strictly adhere to the following format: 

1. Title

2. Name and affiliation of investigator

3. Background of research

4. Proposed research and research hypotheses

5. Expected results and conclusions/messages. 

The submission must be accompanied by a brief CV (pdf, max 500 words). Please send the research proposal and CV to the course manager, Karolina Kowalska (kkowalska@estro.org). Attendance will be limited to 36 participants. Selection will be based on the submitted proposals and on a first come, first served basis. If selected, the participant should prepare a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation with the format given above. The pptx will be presented at the Masterclass and will be the basis for further improvement of the research proposal.

Membership

ESTRO members can order products at substantially reduced prices. Please note that in order to benefit from the member price, you must renew your membership for 2021 before registering to the course.To benefit from these member rates, please visit the membership page to become a member or renew your membership BEFORE proceeding with your order.

Fees

*  All specialties: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia,, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine

RTTs and physicists only: Cyprus  

RTTs only: Italy 

To apply for the above rate, please contact education@estro.org at least 2 weeks before the start of the course. Thereafter, the desk rate will be applied.

** Members with specialty Radiation Therapist (RTT) may register at the In Training fee

The standard rate is applied up to 2 weeks before the starting date of the course.

Desk rates are applied 2 weeks before the starting date of the course.

Advance registration & payment are required.              

Registration will close on the date published on the front page of the course.
 

Cancellation

A registration to the online workshop may be cancelled without any fees before pre-online course material is sent out. Pre-online course material is sent out a few days before the first workshop lesson. After the pre-online course material is sent out, no refund of the  registration fee is possible.

Fee for ESTRO members working in countries with a less competitive economic background:

ESTRO members working in countries with a less competitive economic background can benefit from the above fees if three conditions are met:

1. Only ESTRO members for 2021 are eligible (please make sure your 2021 membership is in order before you apply for the reduced fees
2. Sponsored candidates are not entitled to these fees (the invoicing address has to be the one of the participant)  
3. Your application is submitted 2 weeks before the course start date