FIGO and Chien-Tien Hsu Fellowship in Gynaecologic Oncology

About FIGO 

The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) is world’s largest alliance of national societies of obstetrics and gynaecology, with more than 130 member societies. Our mission is to improve women and girls’ health and wellbeing, reduce disparities in health care and advance the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology worldwide.  

About Professor Chien-Tien Hsu 

Chien-Tien Hsu was Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Biochemistry at the Taipei Medical College and, subsequently, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National Yang-Ming Medical College, both in Taipei, Taiwan. Professor Hsu became internationally renowned for his work in radical surgery for cervical cancer. He served on many FIGO committees – most notably on its oncology committee. Following his death in 1992, the FIGO and the Chien-Tien Hsu Fellowship was established in his honour and memory for young physicians beginning a career in gynaecologic oncology. 

The fellowship 

The FIGO and Chien-Tien Hsu Research Foundation Fellowship enables two young obstetricians and gynaecologists who are beginning a career in gynaecologic oncology the opportunity to travel and gain valuable clinical and research experience. They will attend the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics (5–9 October 2025) and placement at a centre of excellence in gynaecologic oncology in Cape Town (29 September to 3 October 2025). 

Each successful applicant will be awarded a grant of US$5,000 to cover their expenses.  

Applicants must be available to attend both the world congress and placement.  

Eligibility criteria 

Applicants must: 

  • be aged 40 or younger 
  • be able to communicate fluently in English 
  • hold a postgraduate degree in obstetrics and gynaecology 
  • be engaged in a research project in gynaecological oncology 
  • have an accepted abstract or a pending late-breaking abstract (deadline for submissions 16 April 2025). Find out more here. 
  • be able to present an oral communication or poster at the XXV FIGO World Congress of Gynecology and Obstetrics to be held 5–9 October 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa 
  • be able to attend a residential centre of excellence in gynaecologic oncology in Cape Town from 29 September to 3 October 2025. 

Please note 

  • Only proposals that are in the field of gynaecological oncology will be considered. 
  • Your application should include a description of how your community, district, region or country will benefit from the work proposed. 
  • FIGO will prioritise applicants who undertake the majority of their work in the public sector. 
  • If your application for the Chien-Tien Hsu Fellowship is successful you will not be eligible for a bursary. 

Application process 

Fellowship application form 

Candidates must complete the online application form  and support it with the following documents. Please note that applications must be made in English. 

  • Scanned copies of: 

    - a valid passport 
    - a medical degree 
    - a postgraduate degree 
    - translation into English of all degree certificates (where applicable). If you cannot send scanned copies, please contact us and we will advise further. 

  • A letter of recommendation from a head of department. 

The deadline for submission of application forms is 30 April 2025. The selection committee will not consider incomplete or late applications. 

Abstract submissions 

You also need to submit a 250 word late-breaking abstract, unless you already have  a abstract accepted. You must include the abstract submission number in your fellowship application form.  

The deadline for late-breaking abstract submissions is 16 April 2025. 

Find more information about late breaking submissions here.  

Selection of candidates 

FIGO and the Chien-Tien Hsu Research Foundation will appoint a selection committee to review applications.  

Successful candidates will be notified by early June 2025. Unfortunately, the selection committee will be unable to offer feedback or discussion on individual applications.  

Reports 

Successful applicants will need to submit a report to FIGO by the end of December 2025. A proposed format will be advised by FIGO at a later date. This report will be considered for publication on FIGO’s online channels, including the website. 

Queries 

If you have any questions about the Fellowship or application process, please contact us via [email protected].