1976
The EORTC Cancer Research Fund (ECRF) is founded in Brussels to provide independent philanthropic support for EORTC's cancer research mission. Created at the initiative of Professor Henri Tagnon, the Fund is built on the belief that world-class research requires accountable long-term funding. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, becomes its first Honorary President.
1991
The EORTC Fellowship Program is launched thanks to ECRF donor support. Researchers from around the world come to Brussels to train in clinical trial methodology, data management, statistics, and regulatory affairs, helping shape the next generation of oncology experts.
1992
H.M. Queen Sofia of Spain becomes Honorary President of the ECRF, strengthening the Fund's international visibility and long-standing royal support for independent cancer research.
1997
H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden becomes Honorary President of the ECRF, continuing the Fund's tradition of international advocacy and support for cancer research initiatives.
2001
After twenty-five years as founding Chairman, Sir Ronald Grierson steps down, leaving behind a financially stable and trusted institution. He is succeeded by Sir Christopher Mallaby, former British diplomat, as Chairman of the Fund.
2003
H.R.H. Princess Astrid of Belgium becomes Honorary President of the ECRF, reinforcing the Fund's connection to European leadership and public engagement in cancer research.
2011
Walgreens Boots Alliance commits €5 million over five years to support the launch of SPECTA, a platform designed to better characterise tumours and match patients to personalised treatments. The partnership marks a major step forward in corporate philanthropic support for EORTC research.
2012
As EORTC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the ECRF supports a leukemia research project for elderly patients funded by the HRH Prince Alwaleed Foundation. First-phase results are presented at the American Society of Hematology conference in New Orleans.
2013
The ECRF receives €1.3 million in annual core support from European cancer charities and the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. The Sallie Snowman Survivorship Initiative is also launched to study the long-term impact of cancer treatment on patients' lives.
2014
Count Diego du Monceau de Bergendal becomes Chairman of the ECRF, focusing on governance reform and long-term sustainability. The Transatlantic Rare Cancers Initiative is launched, while Prince Albert II of Monaco becomes Honorary President during the EORTC Survivorship Gala in Brussels.
2015
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and Walgreens Boots Alliance host the first ECRF gala fundraiser in Monaco, helping raise support for EORTC's practice-changing cancer research programmes.
2016
The EORTC Survivorship Gala is held in Brussels, attended by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, celebrating advances in cancer survivorship research supported by the ECRF.
2018
The Walgreens Boots Alliance partnership is renewed for another five years to expand the SPECTA platform, including into rare cancers. An independent Finance and Audit Committee is also established to strengthen governance and support EORTC's long-term clinical trial activities.
2019
A second gala fundraiser hosted in Monaco by H.S.H. Prince Albert II and Walgreens Boots Alliance raises €1.2 million to support SPECTA and EORTC's translational clinical research efforts.
2021
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco passes the Honorary Presidency of the ECRF to H.R.H. Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, continuing the Fund's tradition of international advocacy for cancer research.
2022
EORTC celebrates 60 years of clinical cancer research during a gala attended by Princess Dina Mired and Prince Albert II. The organisation also launches its first Middle East Coordinating Office in Jordan and marks 40 years of the EORTC Quality of Life Group.
2023
EORTC welcomes Middle Eastern Ambassadors to Brussels to present the PECAN initiative, developed with the King Hussein Cancer Centre to expand access to clinical cancer research across Arab countries.
2024
EORTC CEO Denis Lacombe becomes stakeholder co-chair of the ACT EU advisory group, reinforcing EORTC's influence in European clinical research policy. An EORTC/EMA workshop also proposes new international pathways for treatment optimisation studies.
2025
EORTC takes part in the inaugural World Radiotherapy Day, highlighting the growing importance of radiotherapy in cancer care. The ECRF Board of Trustees also expands to 16 international voluntary members, strengthening its governance and representation.
2026
The ECRF celebrates 50 years of supporting science, advancing independent clinical cancer research, and helping educate future generations of doctors and researchers worldwide.
