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Young ISDE Committee Research Dragon’s Den

The Young ISDE Committee hosts the Research Dragon’s Den annually at the ISDE World Congress to encourage, support, and advance innovative research ideas from early-career investigators. This initiative is designed to help young researchers refine their concepts, build international collaborations, and move promising projects toward implementation.

Following an initial peer review of submitted proposals, the highest-scoring projects are shortlisted and invited to be pitched live to an international panel of expert “Dragons” during the Dragon’s Den session at the World Congress. Panel members provide constructive feedback to strengthen each project’s scientific rigor, feasibility, and impact.

The winning project receives both an incentive award and tailored support to assist with project initiation and execution.

Ongoing Support Support for the winning research project may include, but is not limited to:

Facilitation of contacts for multicenter and international collaboration
Increased visibility and promotion through ISDE’s global networks
Strategic guidance from senior researchers and committee members

About the Young ISDE Committee

The Young ISDE Committee is committed to promoting education and fostering the exchange of scientific and clinical knowledge related to esophageal diseases. The committee supports trainees and early-career clinicians and investigators from medical, surgical, and allied health backgrounds, while facilitating meaningful scientific connections within the international ISDE community.

The inaugural Research Dragon’s Den was held at the 2023 ISDE World Congress in Toronto, Canada. The 2026 Dragon’s Den will take place during the 22^nd World Congress in Kyoto, Japan. This initiative is led by the Young ISDE Committee and supported by the ISDE Research & Database Committee.

2026 RESEARCH DRAGONS DEN APPLICATION DETAILS

Ignite your research idea at the Young ISDE Research Dragon’s Den

The 4th Young ISDE Research Dragon’s Den will be held during the 22nd ISDE World Congress in Kyoto, Japan on September 16, 2026. Researchers are invited to submit proposals for consideration using the details below.

Key Dates

Call for applications opens: January 31, 2026
Application deadline: March 18, 2026
Notification of acceptance: April 8, 2026
Early-bird registration deadline: June 11, 2026
Research Dragon’s Den (live session): September 16, 2026

Application Requirements

Research projects must be multicenter, international, and multidisciplinary
Applications must follow the official submission template
Applicants must be ISDE Members
Early- to mid-career researchers* are encouraged to apply
Shortlisted projects must be presented live during the Dragon’s Den session
Results from the winning project will be published in Diseases of the Esophagus
Winners will be invited to present their research at the subsequent ISDE World Congress, and a final update three year’s following (if appropriate)
If significant resources are required, applicants must clearly indicate whether funding or infrastructure has already been secured

*Early- to mid-career defined as physicians or surgeons within five years of initial consultancy.

Project Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be assessed based on:

Feasibility
Availability of necessary expertise
Potential scientific and clinical impact
Ability to be completed within the available funding and resources

Support for the Winning Project

The winning team will receive:

Assistance in establishing multicenter and international collaborations
Promotion and visibility through ISDE’s global platforms
An incentive prize package, including:

Complimentary registration for the 2027 ISDE World Congress

USD $2,500 in travel support to attend the Congress in Utrecht, The Netherlands, taking place September 21–23, 2027

ISDE Membership