The IASLC Leadership Development Program is a global program designed to support the continous professional growth of thoracic oncology physicians and researchers, with a particulat focus on mid-career professionals. Through structured mentorship, interactive learning, and engagement with established leaders in the field, the Leadership Development Program will provide participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead, educate, mentor, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of thoracic oncology.

The program will be conducted through a series of virtual mentorship meetings and culminate in a live, in-person workshop during WCLC 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Program Structure:

The program will be conducted through a series of virtual meetings, culminating in an in-person workshop during WCLC 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea. Virtual meetings will cover the following topics:

• Leadership and Opportunities in a Global Community
• Team Building and Navigating Conflict
• Mentorship, Sponsorship, & Network Building

Participant's Requirements:

2026 IASLC Leadership Development Program participants are required to:

• Participate in at least 80% of the mentorship meetings
• Attend the 2026 World Conference on Lung Cancer (September 12-15, 2026), in Seoul, Republic of Korea. IASLC will cover the following expenses for each participant:
  • Round-trip economy class airfair to WCLC 2026
  • 4-5 nights of hotel accommodation
  • Complimentary registration for WCLC 2026
• Complete annual post-program career progress surveys for up to three years

* If at any time a mentee is unable to or fails to fulfill these requirements, IASLC has the right to discontinute his/her participation in the Academy program. 

For more information review the 2026 Leadership Development Program RFA.

IASLC encourages application submissions from candidates worldwide. At the time of submission, applicants must meet all these criteria:

1. The applicant (MD, DO, PhD, PharmD, or equivalent) must be a mid-career professional within 6-15 years from initial faculty appointment or at an equivalent post-training phase in the field of thoracic oncology.  Applicants from all scientific disciplines relevant to the mission of IASLC are encouraged to apply.
2. The applicant must be a member of the IASLC and if selected must maintain an active IASLC membership for the duration of the program. If you are not a member please click here to join. 

All applications are required to be submitted through the IASLC’s online Application Portal.  

Applicant Information:

Please include the following information in your application:

• General Information
  • Applicant's Name
  • Institution's Name
  • Primary Specialty
  • Country of Residence
  • Primary email address
• CV (PDF preferred
• Are you affiliated with an IASLC committee?
• How long have you been at your current primary academic rank?
• What is your research area of focus?
• Professional Headshot

Short Answer Questions: 

Applicants are required to provide brief responses to the questions listed below. Each response must be limited to 125 words.

• Briefly describe your current leadership or coordinating responsibilities (e.g., leading a research group, directing a clinical program, coordinating a multidisciplinary project)
• What types of leadership opportunities or roles are you most interested in developing over the next 2–3 years?
• What leadership or professional challenges are you currently facing that you hope this program will help you address?
• Describe a leadership experience or decision that shaped your approach to leading teams or projects.
• What are some of the most difficult challenges you are experiencing/have experienced in your current faculty position in achieving advancement? 
• How do you think this professional development program could contribute to your progress toward promotion/advancement or seeking a leadership role?

Capstone Project Information:

Please provide information about the project you plan to undertake as part of this program. Proposed projects may align with one of the potential themes listed below, but applicants are also welcome to identify alternative leadership challenges or themes:

Capstone Project Proposal: 

Applicants must submit a short project proposal (maximum 500 words) that includes the following information:

1. Project Title
2. Project Theme
3. Project Description – briefly describe the project’s objectives, proposed activities, and anticipated timeline

**Please note: IASLC does not provide project funding to participants, only mentoring as described above. 

Letters of Recommendation:

Letters of recommendation must be written on official institutional or organizational letterhead and submitted by two different individuals.

1. Institutional Support: A letter of commitment from the institution/direct supervisor regarding the applicant’s participation in the program.
2. Letter of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation highlighting the applicant’s leadership qualities and overall fit for the program.

All applications are required to be submitted through the IASLC’s online Application Portal

• When prompted to log in, use your IASLC Member Portal credentials.
  • If you do not know your credentials, click on the "Reset your Password" link to recover your user name and/or reset your password. If you are still unable to login, please email membership@iaslc.org. 
• Once you have successfully logged in, you will be able to begin work on your application. You may save your application at any time and return to the system at a later date to continue your work. 
• Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2026 at 11:59pm Mountain Time. 

Applications will be reviewed by the IASLC Career Development Committee chairs and Leadership Development Program Chairs. Selection will ensure a diverse participant pool including geographic representation matching IASLC’s global mission.

Applications will be reviewed based on:

1. Strength and leadership potential of the applicant
2. Strength of project proposal
3. Alignment with IASLC mission and program goals

• Applications Open: December 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: January 15, 2026
• Notifications: February 23, 2026