EASL Mobility / Research Fellowship Programme

Introduction

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) is committed to fostering excellence in hepatology research and education. To support this mission, EASL is launching a new Fellowship Programme, offering funding opportunities to young investigators, clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals aiming to enhance their research experience and professional development. 

Fellowship Categories 

The EASL Mobility / Research Fellowship Programme provides funding for short-term fellowships aimed at enhancing professional development, promoting collaboration, and advancing liver research across Europe. Two fellowship types are available, both with a duration of 6 months: 

1. Mobility Fellowships 

These fellowships are designed to promote European collaboration, knowledge exchange and networking by supporting temporary mobility of researchers from emerging / developing countries to established countries, or vice versa. Emerging / developing countries are defined as Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs)1. The aim is to provide early- to mid-career professionals with the opportunity to acquire specialised skills, advanced techniques, or exposure to innovative methodologies that may not be available at their home institution. By immersing themselves in a new clinical or research environment, fellows can strengthen their expertise and CV, build lasting professional networks, and foster cross-institutional collaborations that will contribute to long-term advancements in hepatology research. 

2. Research Fellowships 

These support focused research projects on liver disease, enabling early- to mid-career professionals to pursue independent or collaborative work at their home institution. Fellows will engage in generating impactful scientific results, gaining practical experience with cutting-edge methodologies, and deepening their academic and research competencies. 

• Number of Awards: 3 
• Duration: 6 months 
• Funding: Up to EUR 25,000 per fellowship, depending on factors such as host institution location, travel costs, and research needs. The grant budget should also cover attendance and participation at a future EASL Congress to present the project results. 

Eligibility and Selection Criteria for both categories

• Open to early- or mid-career professionals. 
• Applicants must be affiliated with a recognised clinical / scientific institution or university in Europe.  
• The host institute must be based in Europe. 
• The research or project focus must be on liver disease. 
• Applicants must be EASL members. 
• Must show strong motivation for pursuing a career in clinical or basic hepatology research. (Research fellowships only) 
• A letter from the host institute confirming the ability to host the applicant is required. (Mobility fellowships only) 
• In case of mobility fellowships, the selection process will favour applications that foster collaboration between institutions and contribute to knowledge exchange. 

Required Application Documents

• Applicants must submit the following documents as part of their application: 
• Research/project proposal detailing the objectives, methodology, and expected impact of the research/project (max. 5 pages). 
• Motivation video (3-minute elevator pitch) outlining the applicant’s research/project goals and motivation for applying. 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting academic, professional and personal achievements (max. 4 pages). 
• Recommendation letter from a supervisor or mentor supporting the application (max. 1 page). 
• Letter from host institute confirming the ability to host the applicant (max. 1 page) (mobility fellowships only) 
• Completed budget template and justification for the requested funding: 
  • Travel and accommodation costs (mobility fellowships only) 
  • Salary / living expenses 
  • Laboratory supplies, equipment, and research-related expenses 
  • Other logistical costs deemed necessary for the successful execution of the fellowship, including childcare if applicable. 

Evaluation Process and Scoring Matrix

The selection process will be conducted by an expert review panel appointed by the EASL Governing Board. The evaluation will be based on the following criteria: 

Each application will be scored out of 100, with funding awarded based on the highest overall scores. Final selection decisions will also consider diversity, equity, and potential for long-term impact. 

How to apply

Applications need to be submitted via the EASL Memberzone. An active EASL Membership is required to access the application portal.  

Timeline

• Call for applications: 15 July – 1 September 2025 
• Application review: 5 September – 3 October 2025 
• Award notifications: November 2025 

Conclusion

Through this Fellowship Programme, EASL aims to strengthen the global hepatology community by providing critical funding for researchers to expand their expertise and contribute to scientific advancements. This initiative will foster professional growth of its members and drive impactful research, ensuring continued progress in the field of liver disease studies. The cross-institutional and cross-country exchange of knowledge, skills and experience will ultimately contribute to the EASL mission of being the Home of Hepatology for everyone engaged in beating liver disease.