NEWS

50 Years of Advancing Clinical Cancer Research & Education: 

The story of the EORTC Cancer Research Fund (ECRF) 

Part IV – The Honorary Presidents: a thread of commitment

Women through the entire history of the ECRF is a remarkable succession of Honorary Presidents, each bringing their own voice, networks, and dedication to EORTC’s mission. HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, set the tone in 1976 and was succeeded by HM Queen Sofía of Spain in 1992. HM Queen Silvia of Sweden became Honorary President in 1997 followed by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium in 2003. In 2014, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco assumed the Honorary Presidency, and lent his strong support to the Fund’s fundraising efforts, including three gala evenings in Monaco (in 2009, 2015 and 2019) the latter raising €1.2 million to support EORTC’s and Europe’s leading translational clinical research platform SPECTA.

Since 2021, H.R.H. Princess Dina Mired of Jordan has served as Honorary President, a globally respected cancer advocate, former President of the Union for International Cancer Control, and a mother of a cancer survivor. Her engagement has already extended EORTC’s reach in ways that will shape the organisation’s future. In 2022, with her strong support, EORTC signed a landmark collaboration agreement with the King Hussein Cancer Centre (KHCC) in Amman, establishing the first Middle East Coordinating Office (MECO) and bringing access to EORTC clinical trials to cancer patients in the region. As Princess Dina Mired said at the signing: “Access to clinical cancer research means a step forward to closing the gap in cancer patient treatment and care.”

Missed Part III? Discover how Count Diego du Monceau de Bergendal strengthened the EORTC Cancer Research Fund by modernising its governance, securing its financial future, and reinforcing its long-term commitment to independent cancer research:

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.