The International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) and the Young SIOP Network are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2026 Young SIOP Rising Star Award, recognising outstanding early-career professionals who are advancing childhood cancer care, research, education, and advocacy around the world.

Dr Abel Hailu has been selected as the 2026 Young SIOP Rising Star Award winner in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to paediatric haematology-oncology in Ethiopia and across Africa.

A paediatric hematologist-oncologist trained at Addis Ababa University and Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Dr Hailu is the Founding President of the Ethiopian Society of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (ESPHO). Through his leadership, he has helped strengthen national coordination of childhood cancer care, supported the development of Ethiopia’s first national paediatric oncology treatment guidelines, and contributed to the establishment of a national childhood cancer registry. He has also expanded access to care through the development of a paediatric satellite oncology clinic in Somaliland and continues to play a key role in regional capacity-building initiatives. Dr Hailu currently serves on the SIOP Africa Board and chairs the Local Organising Committee for the SIOP Africa 2028 Conference in Addis Ababa.

Dr Abel Hailu will present his work and achievements as part of the Young SIOP Education Day at SIOP 2026.

In recognition of an exceptionally strong field of applicants, the Young SIOP Network has also named Dr Gashaw Arega Mekonnen as Runner-Up for the 2026 award.

Dr Gashaw is a Consultant Paediatric Hematologist-Oncologist and Assistant Professor at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He has made significant contributions to advancing childhood cancer care, research, and education in Ethiopia, particularly in the field of paediatric neuro-oncology. He currently leads several national protocol development initiatives, including serving as Chair of Ethiopia’s National Medulloblastoma and Retinoblastoma Protocol Development Committees, helping establish the country’s first comprehensive paediatric neuro-oncology treatment guidelines.

A founding Executive Committee member of ESPHO and an active contributor to SIOP Africa and several international working groups, Dr Gashaw has authored more than 45 peer-reviewed publications and played a leading role in national capacity-building initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for children with cancer across Ethiopia.

The Young SIOP Rising Star Award recognises emerging leaders who are making a meaningful impact on childhood cancer care within their countries, regions, and the global paediatric oncology community. Both Dr Hailu and Dr Gashaw exemplify the commitment, innovation, and collaborative leadership needed to advance care for children and adolescents with cancer worldwide.

SIOP congratulates both awardees on their remarkable achievements and looks forward to celebrating their contributions at the SIOP 2026 Congress in San Antonio, USA.