Applications are now open to all ESICM NEXT members for the Winter event (1 December).

CO:LAB offers two distinct opportunities to participate:

1. Data-Driven Research Session

Two young researchers are invited to present their published research to the international NEXT community.

Selected applicants will:

• Present a data-driven research project in which they are a principal contributor or leading author.
• Showcase the scientific rationale, methodology, results, and clinical relevance of their work.
• Discuss their findings with an expert panel and audience.
• Share lessons learned and future research perspectives.

The objective of this session is to highlight high-quality research conducted by NEXT members and stimulate scientific discussion and future collaborations.

Please submit your application by 31 August 2026.

2. Quick Fire Project Contest

The Quick Fire Contest is designed for young investigators who wish to present ongoing projects, new ideas, study protocols, or early-stage research initiatives.

Selected participants will:

• Deliver a short and engaging presentation of their project.
• Receive feedback and practical suggestions from an international jury of senior and NEXT members.
• Discuss challenges, methodology, and opportunities for collaboration.
• Increase the visibility of their project within the ESICM community and find potential collaborators.

The three best quick Fire project will be invited to present during CO:LAB
Award: The winner of the Quick Fire Contest will receive complimentary registration to the ESICM LIVES Congress 2027.

Please submit your application by 31 August 2026.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be current ESICM NEXT members.
• Be actively involved in the submitted research project. For the Data-Driven session, applicants must be the first, second, or last author of the published paper.
• Demonstrate motivation to engage with the international NEXT community.
• Commit to participate in the online CO:LAB Winter event.

Applications will be evaluated based on a combination of research topic and robustness, academic background, and relevant experience. Each candidate will be evaluated anonymously by two independent NEXT Committee members.

A final score will be assigned based on rigorous ratings across multiple domains.

Evaluation Domains for Data-Driven Presentations: Scoring (from 0 to 5) focuses on:

• Clinical Relevance and Impact on Clinical Practice
• Innovation and Scientific Rigor
• Data Transparency and Strength of Results
• Potential for Critical Discussion and Educational Value
• Presentation Potential

Evaluation Domains for Quick Fire Presentations: Scoring (from 0 to 5) is divided into:

• Candidate Score: Evaluates the applicant’s experience in research and teaching.
• Project Score: Evaluates Innovation/Originality, Scientific Rationale, Methodological Soundness, Feasibility, Collaborative Potential, and Presentation Quality.

Final Selection

After formal selection based on these criteria, the ESICM NEXT committee accounts for diversity considerations to ensure appropriate gender and geographic representation. Ultimately, a list of the 10 top-ranked candidates will be forwarded to the Editors-in-Chief along with related documentation for the final selection.

Required Application Materials

When submitting your application, you must include:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• The published article in PDF format (required for Data-Driven session applicants)