Call for Applications – EASL Internal Affairs Councillor and EASL External Affairs Councillor

EASL is now calling for applications for two new members to join its Governing Board as the Internal Affairs Councillor and the External Affairs Councillor.

These key roles support the strategic direction and operational excellence of the Association—internally through member engagement, governance, and sustainability, and externally through partnerships, outreach, and visibility in the broader medical and scientific communities.

Both Councillors serve on the EASL Governing Board and are expected to actively participate in meetings, initiatives, and events that shape the future of liver research and care.

These positions carry an initial term of two years, with the possibility of extension for one additional term. 

The official term will begin in November 2026, following a period of shadowing the current Internal Affairs and External Affairs Councillors. This transitional period will allow Councillors-elect to gain insight into the role and ensure continuity of responsibilities ahead of their formal start. 

Internal Affairs Councillor

The Internal Affairs Councillor develops and oversees policies that enhance EASL’s internal environment and ensures alignment with strategic objectives and best practices in governance. 

 Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and proposing policies in relation to: 
  • Equity, diversity, and inclusion 
  • Sustainability 
  • Management of conflict of interest 
  • EASL Membership strategy 
  • EASL Working Groups 
  • EASL Consortia 
  • Relationship with EASL Publications 
  • EASL Community Communication 
  • EASL Brand 
  • Appropriate press and media relations 
• Supporting community cohesion and member engagement through strategic policy development. 
• Monitoring and aiding the implementation of these policies by the EASL Office, particularly through the application and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
• Serving as liaison between the EASL Governing Board, EASL Management Committee, and the EASL Office on matters related to internal affairs. 
• Promoting good governance and transparency in the internal operations of the Association. 

External Affairs Councillor

The External Affairs Councillor ensures that the Association’s external relations promote EASL’s strategic vision and position EASL effectively within the global liver health landscape. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• Developing and proposing policies in relation to: 
  • Relationships with European National Hepatology and Gastroenterology Associations 
  • Relationships with global and regional societies, such as AASLD, ALEH, APASL, SOLDA, and UEG 
  • Relationships with other medical associations and specialties 
  • EASL endorsement of third-party content and activities 
  • EU funded projects 
• Leading the development and maintenance of relationships with selected key external stakeholders and contributing to interactions with other relevant parties. 
• Supporting the monitoring and implementation of these external relations policies by the EASL Office, particularly through the application and review of relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). 
• Serving as the liaison between the EASL Governing Board, EASL Management Committee, and the EASL Office with regard to these policies. 
• Providing strategic advice and updates to the Secretary General and other leadership bodies on external affairs matters. 

• The candidate must be an EASL member at the time of application. 
• The candidate must be professionally active in a European country, as defined by the World Health Organization.  
• The candidate must be under 56 years of age in November 2025 (in case of official parental leave, the eligible age is calculated by deducting the documented months of parental leave in accordance with applicable EU regulations from their actual age). 
• EASL encourages applications from underrepresented groups and strives for diversity in geography, gender, expertise and career stage. Please consult the EASL Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy for more information.

• a letter of motivation and your aspirations for joining the specific Councillor position (Internal or External Affairs). 
• an updated CV (Max 4 pages). 
• a summary of your scientific achievements (including a list of your publications, h-index (Scopus), and grant income, as applicable).

• All submitted applications will be reviewed for eligibility by the EASL office. 
• All eligible applications will be reviewed by current EASL’s Governing Board members.  
• The EASL Governing Board will base their selection on the following criteria:  
  • Scientific profile and leadership potential 
  • Inclusivity and diversity considerations 
  • Commitment to EASL’s values and strategic goals. 
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the current EASL Governing Board the week of 6 October 2025. 
  • The interview will consist of a five-minute presentation by the candidate, covering their qualifications and motivation for joining the Governing Board as either Internal or External Affairs Councillor, followed by twenty-minute Q&A session with the Governing Board. 
• Shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a Declaration of Interest form prior to the interview, which will be reviewed by the EASL Ethics and Compliance Committee. 
•  The appointment of the successful candidate is dependent on confirmation by the EASL General Assembly (via eVote). 

• Terms of Reference – Internal Affairs Councillor 
• Terms of Reference – External Affairs Councillor 
• EASL Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion policy