The Story, The Science, The People 

Fifty years ago, an idea took shape in the heart of Europe, that no single country, no single institution, could tackle cancer’s complexity alone. It would take collaboration across borders, sustained vision, and the belief that science, given the right support, could change outcomes for patients.

That belief built the ECRF in 1976 and drives it still.

The science has never been more promising. The trials being designed today will transform how cancer is treated in the decades to come. But research does not happen on its own, it happens because people choose to make it possible.

As we mark this milestone, explore the story of the Fund, the people who shaped it, and the science it has helped make possible.

This anniversary belongs to all who made it possible and to those who will make the next fifty years count.

A word from Honorary President – HRH Princess Dina Mired

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NEWS & ARTICLES

50 Years of Advancing Clinical Cancer Research & Education

Fifty years ago, an idea took shape in the heart of Europe, in Brussels, that advancing clinical research and treatment of cancer could not be achieved alone...

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Sir Mallaby

Building on strong foundations

Sir Christopher Mallaby, a distinguished British diplomat who had been British Ambassador to Germany and to France, succeeded Sir Ronald as Chairman in 2001, bringing with him a different but equally vital set of skills from a lifetime of forging international relationships across governments, institutions, and boardrooms...

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A new chapter: governance, growth, and global ambition

In 2014, Count Diego du Monceau de Bergendal assumed the Chairmanship, and asked the harder questions about how the Fund would survive long term...

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OUR STORY

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.