The SIOP Scientific Programme Advisory Working Group (formerly the Scientific Programme Advisory Committee – SPAC) was established in 2008 and brings together internationally recognized experts across key areas of paediatric oncology.

This Working Group plays a central role in shaping the scientific content of our Annual Congress. Its members propose topics for Keynotes, Symposia, and Meet-the-Expert Sessions, and they review and score submitted abstracts to support the Scientific Committee in selecting high-quality oral and poster presentations.

Members are appointed by the Scientific Committee through an application process and serve a three-year term.

We seek individuals with significant clinical, translational, or basic research expertise, demonstrated by strong international profiles and relevant publications.

If you know colleagues who might also be interested or well-suited for this opportunity, please feel free to share this information with them.

Benefits of being a WG member?

• WG Members are eligible to register for the annual meeting with the Early-Bird-Rate after the deadline
• SIOP Office can issue a member certificate for your CV
• We invite everybody to a networking reception during the annual meeting (if held in person) to hear feedback and enjoy each other’s company!

Key dates for the SIOP Annual Congress 2026 (San Antonio, USA, 15 – 18 September) are:

• Abstract submission opens: December 2025
• Suggestions for Keynotes, Symposia, or Meet the Expert Sessions for the 2027 SIOP Annual Congress in Sydney (8 – 11 September), will be collected soon and we will email all members about the process in due time.
• Planning for the Sydney meeting will start at the Scientific Committee meeting in May/June 2026.
• Abstracts Submission Deadline: March 17, 2026 (no extension)
• Early registration Deadline: June 23, 2026 (NB : SIOP Scientific Programme Advisory WG members can benefit from the early bird rate after the deadline as well and need to email the SIOP Office in case)
• Late Breaking Abstracts Submission Open from: July 14- Aug 11, 2026
• Late Registration Deadline: August 18, 2026
• Note that the online abstract review will take place during a 2-3-week period from March 25- April 14, 2026. You will receive a save-the-date, login details, review instructions, reminders to review by email from our scientific programme coordinator.

We are currently soliciting applications for new members in the following categories:

• Myeloid Leukemias, Myelodysplastic and Myeloproliferative Syndromes
• Lymphomas
• Neuroblastoma
• Renal Tumours
• Soft Tissue Sarcomas
• Retinoblastoma
• Liver Tumours
• Germ Cell Tumours
• Rare Tumours and Histiocytosis
• Brain Tumors
• Pharmacology Pharmacogenomics and New Therapeutics
• Tumour Biology and Genetics
• Immunology, Immunotherapy and Stem Cell Transplantation Development
• Epidemiology
• Global Health, Policy and Advocacy
• Survivorship & Late Toxicity
• Early Treatment related Toxicity
• Supportive Care (Quality of Life, Palliative Care)

Please submit your application via our online form (incl. your CV) here or under the button below.

Deadline for application is: January 5, 2026 (12:00 noon CET).

We embrace a diversity of backgrounds and are also particularly interested in applications of potential WG members from regions outside of North America and Western Europe.

Applicants must be fluent in written and verbal English.

If you know colleagues who might also be interested or well-suited for this opportunity, please feel free to share this information with them.

We look forward to receiving your applications.

Marry van den Heuvel-Eibrink
Chair, Scientific Committee on behalf of the Scientific Committee