Call for Research Grants

EAES Research Grant Projects

The overall objective of the EAES grants is to strengthen the clinical, educational and basic science research in minimally invasive interventions by supporting novel research activities across the EAES. The intention is to create a collaborative culture of scientific research combining high-quality projects with opportunities for young clinicians to address the need of our populations. The EAES believes in inclusivity for all of its projects, giving all clinicians a voice with particular emphasis on our future leaders and members.

What we are looking for

This year, the EAES Research Grant programme places particular emphasis on three priority areas that reflect the most pressing challenges and opportunities in modern surgical practice:

1.       Equity in Surgical Quality

Research that addresses disparities in surgical outcomes and explores scalable approaches to quality improvement. We are especially interested in work that has the potential to close the gap in surgical care across different populations, healthcare systems, and regions.

2.       Intraoperative Guidance & AI

Projects advancing the application of surgical data science (SDS), surgomics, computer vision, and AI-driven decision support in and around the operating theatre. As the role of technology in surgery continues to grow, the EAES is committed to supporting research that translates these innovations into meaningful clinical benefit.

3.       Sustainable Surgery

Initiatives that examine how surgical practice can reduce its environmental footprint through resource optimisation, waste reduction, and more sustainable operating procedures. The future of surgery must be not only effective but also responsible.

Submission deadline 31st October 2026

Apply here

Application: Online application is required. Documents must be uploaded as 1 pdf file.
Grant amount range: up to €15,000
Eligibility:  The Research grant programme is open to any investigator who is an EAES member currently in a surgery-related endoscopic/laparoscopic practice. 

Apply here

Submission format and content

Please note that applications not adhering to the stated rules and requirements will regrettably result in automatic exclusion from participation in the EAES Research Grants.

The following documents are required and should be uploaded in 1PDF file (max. 10 pages- max 10 MB Font: Arial, Font size: 12, Spacing: Single)*:

  1. Abstract (maximum 400 words)
  2. Proposal containing the following sections:
    • Study title
    • Principal applicant (title, contact details, role in the project)
    • Co-applicants (title, contact details, roles in the project)
    • Duration of the project (including the start date)
    • Hypothesis / Aims
    • Background and state of the art, including relevant bibliography
    • Presentation of the hypothesis and description of the proposal objectives
    • Methodology, inclusion and exclusion criteria, study design, variables, data collections and statistical analysis
    • Work plan, broken down by task, investigators and timetable (Gantt chart)
    • Last five years report on the scientific and technical background of the research team
    • Description of the proposal’s scientific and social interest
    • A detailed budget in Euros. Details for consumables, equipment, travel, etc.

Other required documents:

  1. Curriculum Vitae and academic output of first and senior applicants.*
  2. Letter of your chief of surgery, comitting to mentoring me, to bring this project to a succesfull conclusion.*

*Please note that not complying by these rules leads to automatic exclusion from participation

Criteria of evaluation for obtaining the EAES funding

Proposals submitted to the EAES grant committee will be judged on the following criteria:

  1. Research question:
    • The importance of the question in relation to that particular field of research in MIS
    • The novelty and originality of the proposal
    • Clarity of the hypothesis – research objectives
  2. Research relevance
    • Needs of patients, users or hospital staff
    • Advances of minimal access techniques
    • Healthcare system
  3. Research feasibility:
    • Whether the objectives are achievable, with realistic goals, timescales and/or milestones with the requested funding, including potentially secured co-funding
    • The appropriateness of the design and methodology
    • The strengths and weaknesses (major or minor) of proposed investigations.
  4. Applicants track record – potential:
    Overall opinion of the applicant(s)’ standing in the field, track record and potential for delivering the proposed research. The evaluation should include the support to young researchers by established team (doctoral students, fellows).
  5. Project Management
    A clear management structure should be in place with clear responsibilities for each member of the application.
  6. Resources/staffing
    Do the equipment, staffing and running costs seem appropriate?
  7. Dissemination plan
    The dissemination plan depends on the nature of the project (clinical, educational or technology based.
  8. Research Impact
    The impact of the research will be assessed based on the proposed theme and objectives. Examples are:
    • Impact on patient care, healthcare system
    • Is it new or better replacement technology
    • The potential for IP and commercial exploitation
    • Cost-effectiveness
    • Educational value.
  9. Long-term perspective and sustainability
    The programme needs to have the potential for long-term sustainability according to its underlying concept, and to evolve towards a European grant application.
    Special consideration will be given to:
    • Programmes developed for geographically and economically less advantaged areas within Europe
    • Programmes aiming at excellence of young doctors in clinical and basic science of minimally invasive surgery
    • Programmes developed to build up networks of clinical and/or basic scientists in the field of endoscopic surgery across Europe.

Bonus Criteria: What Strengthens Your Application

In addition to scientific merit and feasibility, the grant committee will award additional points to applications that demonstrate:

  • Involvement of a PhD student or surgical trainee — supporting the next generation of surgical researchers is a core priority for the EAES.
  • Multidisciplinary collaboration — teams that bring together clinicians and data scientists or engineers are strongly encouraged to apply.
  • Engagement with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) — research that actively involves LMIC partners or addresses challenges specific to these settings will be viewed favourably.

These criteria reflect the EAES’s broader mission: to foster inclusive, collaborative, and future-focused surgical research.

Apply here

Reports: The successful applicant is required to submit biannual progress reports to the EAES Research committee. Due to the limited funding, there is no overhead costs to be covered and only direct costs will be funded.
Upon completion of the project, EAES requires a final scientific and financial report. All publications and abstracts must acknowledge support from EAES. Manuscripts arising from the project shall be submitted to surgical endoscopy, while we acknowledge that final publication of each manuscript is subjective to the peer review process. A complete list of publications and/or follow-up projects that arose from the Research Grant will have to be shared with EAES for publication on the website (https://eaes.eu/research-grants/).

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