EASD Rising Star Symposium and EFSD Rising Star Fellowship Programme

Programme Objective

The EASD Rising Star Symposium and EFSD Rising Star Fellowship Programme aims to identify promising and innovative young researchers who are developing their research activities in Europe. Selected candidates will have the opportunity to present an overview of their past and ongoing research activities during a multidisciplinary research symposium at the EASD Annual Meeting. The chosen candidates will be invited by EASD to present a lecture (20-minute lecture + 5-minute discussion) and will receive a commemorative diploma. Travel expenses, hotel and registration costs for the recipients will be covered.

Furthermore, the award includes a research fellowship in the amount of Euro 30,000 payable to the recipient’s institution. The objective of the research fellowship is to encourage innovative research in the field of diabetes. Applicants should have demonstrated their ability in the field of diabetes research and must be employed by a non-profit institution based in Europe or an associated country (for detailed country list, please see here).

Fellowship Applications

Applications can be submitted by early career scientists: scientists and clinicians at an early stage of their career, up to 7 years since completion of their most recent degree (PhD, MSc, or MD degrees). Eligibility can be extended for reasons such as maternity, paternity, illness, national service, clinical training, natural disasters, or asylum, if clearly described (further documentation may be requested at the discretion of EASD/EFSD). The time since the last degree may not exceed seven years before 1 January in the year the Fellowship is awarded.

Applicants must be a paid up member of EASD.

Preference will be given to individuals who have consistently pursued a well-defined and innovative research line, leading to publications in high impact peer reviewed journals.

Required documents include:

1. Research Plan - Fellowships (Rising Star)
2. Signatures and Declaration - Fellowships
3. Proof of institution’s non-profit status (bylaws or governing document)
4. Applicant’s biographical sketch (maximum 3 pages)
5. Collaborative Agreements
6. Letters of Support from current and/or future supervisors or mentors
7. List of abstracts for any current or pending support (if applicable)

Applications for this programme must be submitted in the EFSD programme portal. Follow the step-by-step instructions in the User Guide to complete and submit your application. Access the portal:

EFSD Programme Portal

All applications must be prepared on the official application form in the EFSD programme portal and completed in strict accordance with the detailed instructions to be found there. Applications which do not comply with the instructions given in the application system will not be considered for review.

Please submit your application in the EFSD programme portal before 12:00 midday (CET) on the deadline date 17 February 2026.

Note: For this particular award, it is permissible to hold a second active award from EFSD. Completed applications will be evaluated by an independent scientific committee.

Schedule

Announcement: November 2025

Application Deadline: 17 February 2026

Anticipated Award: May 2026

Enquiries

Enquiries should be directed to foundation@easd.org.