EORTC Cancer Research Fund Marks 50 Years of Impact
On 22 September 2026, the EORTC Cancer Research Fund (ECRF) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gala dinner in Brussels. More than 80 guests, including supporters, researchers, healthcare professionals and public figures, gathered to celebrate five decades of supporting clinical cancer research and improving the lives of cancer patients around the world.
The evening was also an opportunity to recognise the wider community that has made this impact possible over the past fifty years, including donors, patients and families who have contributed to EORTC’s mission.
Founded in 1976, ECRF supports the work of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), helping fund research that aims to improve cancer treatment and quality of life for patients. Over the past fifty years, the partnership between ECRF and EORTC has helped advance research in areas ranging from rare cancers to patient care and survivorship. Learn more about the ECRF story and its five decades of impact.
The evening was opened by Count Diego du Monceau de Bergendal, Chairman of ECRF, and welcomed distinguished guests including Princess Dina Mired, Honorary President of EORTC and ECRF, Princess Astrid of Belgium, Prince Lorenz of Belgium, Princess Laetitia of Belgium, ambassadors, philanthropic supporters and members of the EORTC and ECRF communities.
What fifty years of belief have built
Addressing guests, Denis Lacombe, Chief Executive Officer of EORTC, reflected on what fifty years of support have made possible.
“Fifty years ago, a group of people believed that science, given the right support, could change outcomes for cancer patients. Tonight, as we mark that milestone, I want to focus on what that belief has built: EORTC itself, and what your support makes possible.”
Today, EORTC brings together more than 4,000 doctors and scientists working across over 70 countries and disciplines to help people with cancer live longer and better lives.
Investing in clinical research and researchers of tomorrow
Guests also heard from Professor Benjamin Besse, President of EORTC, who spoke about the importance of continuing to invest in research and in the next generation of cancer researchers. The evening highlighted projects that will guide EORTC’s future clinical cancer research, including efforts to improve care for people with rare cancers and programmes that support young researchers. These initiatives demonstrated how donor support helps turn ideas into research, education and better care for patients.
Reflecting on the role EORTC and ECRF have played over the past five decades, Princess Dina Mired paid tribute to the organisations’ commitment to patients and their families:
“Thank you, EORTC-ECRF, for fighting cancer with the highest of ethics and standards. Thank you for being the guardian angel of cancer patients.”
To further mark ECRF’s 50th anniversary, Princess Dina Mired also recorded a special video message reflecting on the impact of EORTC and ECRF over the past five decades, and on what inspires her continued commitment as Honorary President.
As ECRF enters its next fifty years, the partnership between ECRF and EORTC remains focused on a common goal: improving the lives of cancer patients through research, collaboration and innovation.
Discover the highlights from this special anniversary celebration, and explore the aftermovie.
You can also help support EORTC’s game-changing clinical research to unleash scientific breakthrough and transform cancer patients’ lives. Learn how to GET INVOLVED, or Make a Contribution Now.
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