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Call for Applications

1st Workshop on Methods in RWE Cancer Research

12-15 November 2026, Ettore Majorana Foundation, Erice (Sicily), Italy

Co-organised by

Deadline: September 18, 2026, 23:59 CEST

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The 1st Workshop on Methods in RWE Cancer Research of DIGICORE’s Advanced School for Real-World Evidence Studies in Precision Oncology co-organised with Testbed Sweden Precision Health Cancer (represented by the Stockholm School of Economics Institute for Research), is hosted at the historic Ettore Majorana Foundation in Erice, Sicily, from 12–15 November 2026.

This four-day workshop brings together a multidisciplinary faculty of clinicians, methodologists, data scientists, patient leaders, health economists, regulators and health system innovators. Participants work in small, multidisciplinary teams, progressively turning an original clinically relevant research question into an impactful RWE study protocol: from framing the question, to designing a robust study generating trustworthy evidence and translating results into clinical practice and policy impact. Alongside this core curriculum, distinguished keynotes, hands-on workshops and fireside conversations connect participants with leading voices in precision oncology, genomic medicine and digital health infrastructure, with each working group pitching its protocol to an expert panel on the final day.

The Workshop on Methods in RWE Cancer Research has a simple but ambitious goal to equip the next generation of researchers and clinical leaders with the knowledge, know how and practical skills required to design and implement impactful Real-World Evidence studies that improve cancer care.

The Workshop is designed for a small, highly selected cohort of early- and mid-career researchers and clinicians, who continue to collaborate after Erice through the DIGICORE network.

Scholarships

Full scholarships covering all expenses will be awarded to the most promising applications (see below for eligibility conditions).

Venue

The Workshop is held in the enchanting hilltop town of Erice, Sicily at the Ettore Majorana Foundation, housed inside three restored medieval monasteries.

Participants receive meal vouchers for lunches and dinners at local restaurants of their choice. Extended mealtimes are built into the program so that conversations between participants and faculty can continue away from the lecture room — in a town this small, much of the value of the week happens over a long table.

Accommodation, meals and transfers from/to Palermo airport are arranged by the Foundation.

Key Dates

Application Procedure

1st week of August 2026Applications Open
18 September 2026Applications Close
End of September 2026Announce scholarship fellows
12 October 2026Deadline for confirmation of participation
12–15 November 2026Dates Workshop
  • Applications Open
    First week of August 2026
  • Applications Close
    18 September 2026
  • Announcement scholarship fellows
    End of September 2026
  • Deadline for confirmation of participation
    October 12 2026
  • Dates Workshop
    12-15 November 2026

Application

Eligibility

Applications are welcome from candidates from all entities belonging to the DIGICORE network.
Selected applicants may be eligible for a scholarship.

Candidates must
  • Show a strong interest in Real World Evidence (RWE) cancer research and intend to pursue a career in this field;
  • Aim to write and conduct an original RWE research protocol for a study not previously performed, nor written, which is also considered feasible within the institutional setting and the time of completion of the candidate’s training;
  • Upon selection candidates must be able to secure the support of their Direct Supervisor/Mentor and sustained commitment in the years following the Workshop;
  • Be fluent in written and spoken English and have good computer skills.

Applications will not be accepted if the above criteria are not fulfilled.

Applicants are responsible for ensuring they hold valid documents for travel, including any visa required to enter Italy, prior to travelling to the Workshop. The Workshop Secretariat is not responsible for visa applications or related costs, and failure to obtain the necessary documentation will not be grounds for reimbursement or refund.

Information Requirements

The application form asks for the following:
  • Personal details and contact information
  • Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
  • One-page description of the RWE protocol you intend to develop during the Workshop
  • Statement of motivation outlining the reasons for wanting to participate in this Workshop

Selected applications will be required to submit a Statement of Support from their Direct Supervisor/Mentor. Full details are provided in the Mentor Statement, shared upon selection. (This is a separate document; the application form only asks you to acknowledge that you will provide it if accepted).

Application Submission

Applications to participate in the Workshop must be submitted via Tally Form.
Applicants must ensure that the application form is correctly completed prior to submission.

Please review the Terms & Conditions governing participation in the Workshop before applying.

A confirmation of receipt will be sent upon submission of your application.

Applications received after the submission deadline will not be accepted.

Selection Process

Participation to the Workshop is limited. Applications will be processed on a first come first serve basis. Candidates are encouraged to send their applications as soon as possible.

The Workshop Review Committee will evaluate the applications and base its decision on a number of criteria including:

  • Quality and feasibility of the proposed protocol concept;
  • Individual career path in medical/data science training and demonstrated competence in RWE cancer research;
  • Accepted applicants shall be requested to provide a statement of support from their Direct Supervisor/Mentor in support, describing their commitment to long-term follow-up and facilitating the implementation of the study designed during the Workshop.

The selection of applications is at the sole discretion of the Workshop Review Committee. While feedback on the application process and selection is welcome, the Workshop Review Committee will not enter into any discussions regarding the final decision.

Applicants will be notified of the status of their application end of September 2026.

To Apply

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The organising team

Prof Giovanni Tonon — President DIGICORE, Program Director
Ebba Hallersjö Hult — Workshop Co-Director, Testbed Sweden Precision Health Cancer
Dr Anders Edsjö — Workshop Co-Director, Testbed Sweden Precision Health Cancer
Dr Xosé Fernández — DIGICORE Executive Secretary
Dr Golbahar Pahlavan — DIGICORE General Manager
Dr Pia Noël — DIGICORE Project Officer

Contact

For any questions about the Workshop, please write to secretariat@digicore-cancer.eu