What is the ESPE Leadership Academy?
The ESPE Leadership Academy is a flagship new initiative designed to cultivate a new generation of leaders in paediatric endocrinology – professionals who combine clinical excellence, research innovation, and influential communication and soft skills to drive meaningful change in science, policy, and patient care.
Launching for the first time in November in Cairo, the Academy offers an intensive, high-impact leadership experience for early to mid-career paediatric endocrinologists who are ready to step into visible, influential roles within ESPE and beyond.
Date: 19-20 November 2026
Location: Novotel Hotel Cairo Airport
Why the ESPE Leadership Academy?
While ESPE offers a rich portfolio of scientific and educational activities, formal leadership training has not previously been part of its schools’ programme. The Leadership Academy fills this critical gap by equipping participants with the skills, confidence, and strategic mindset needed to lead in today’s complex academic, clinical, and policy environments.
Modern leaders must do more than generate knowledge – they must communicate with clarity, persuade with integrity, build alliances, and inspire others. The ESPE Leadership Academy is designed to develop exactly these capabilities.
Who should attend?
The Academy is aimed at early to mid-career ESPE members who aspire to:
- Become key opinion leaders in their regions
- Play an active role in ESPE educational activities, schools, and committees
- Engage effectively with policymakers, funders, journals, and industry partners
- Shape the future of paediatric endocrinology through leadership, teaching, and advocacy
Participation is competitive and limited to 25 selected participants, ensuring a highly interactive and personalised learning experience.
What participants will gain
Through a multidisciplinary and practice oriented approach, participants will develop the skills to become leaders who can influence, innovate, and inspire. The Academy focuses on:
- Self-leadership and confidence: Clarifying personal purpose, presence, and leadership identity
- Strategic communication: Storytelling, persuasion, pitching, and scientific communication for diverse audiences
- Influence and visibility: Networking, relationship building, and positioning within the professional landscape
- Fundraising and communication with pharma companies
- Research skills and publication
Leadership and faculty
The Academy will be co-ordinated by Prof Rasha Hamza, past ESPE ETC Chair (2019-2025) and delivered by a faculty of expert clinicians, instructors and keynote speakers with outstanding leadership and training credentials.
Application criteria
The ESPE Leadership Academy is a 2-day, face to face course, combining interactive workshops, soft skills simulations, and peer learning. The course is limited to 25 selected participants.
Applicants must:
- have participated in at least one ESPE School within the past three years
- be an ESPE member
Application process
Applicants are required to submit:
- A CV
- A letter of recommendation from an ESPE School Convenor (current or past)
- A Personal Leadership Mission Statement outlining their aspirations as a leader
Academy fees
300 EUR.
A very limited number of bursaries are available upon application.
What will happen after the Academy?
Participants commit to refining their leadership mission, identifying a concrete action aligned with their goals, and maintaining accountability through peer or mentor engagement.
