From LIVES 2025 onward, the ESICM Research Awards will be renamed the ESICM Research Grants. This new title more accurately reflects the purpose of these competitive funding opportunities: to directly support and enable high-quality, impactful research led by our members.

ESICM 2026 Research Grants

ESICM offers direct funding to researchers in the field of Intensive Care Medicine. Intensivists working in all areas of the discipline are invited to apply by submitting their proposed research projects.

7 grants for a total value of €220,000 are available in 2026, including two industry-funded grants: the ESICM Jordi Mancebo Fisher&Paykel Grant and the ESICM Fresenius Kabi Grant.

Starting in 2026, ESICM is implementing a transition to larger grants. The general eligibility criteria are simplified and harmonized. That will be helpful to improve clarity and tracking of outputs.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria:

• Requirement of proposals to be multi-centre and multi-national in participation and focus. LMIC involvement an advantage.
• Eligibility confined to members under 40 or in their first 5 years in a permanent academic faculty position (letter from Head of Department required to confirm Eligibility) for the full application stage

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How to apply

For information relating to the application process and conditions, please read the ESICM 2026 Grants Programme Overview. Candidates are advised to read this document carefully before submitting their application. Any application that does not comply with the guidelines will, unfortunately, be rejected.
Except for the ESICM Research Committee and Executive Committee members who do not qualify, the Society accepts applications from anyone who is a member.

The submission platform is set to open early 2026 (the link will be available shortly).

There are two stages to the application process:

• First, candidates must submit a short application. This is an outline of the aims and methodology of the proposed research project and must include an estimated budget and timeline. All short applications are reviewed by the Research Committee.
• Those selected will be contacted around end of March/mid-April and asked to submit a full application. This is a full project description with details regarding feasibility, research design and methodology.

All full applications are reviewed by a minimum of two independent expert assessors. These assessments are thoroughly discussed at the Grants Jury Meeting by members of the Research Committee. The Jury meeting takes place around end of June.

We wish to draw your attention to the following conditions of entry in particular:

• ESICM wishes to encourage research carried out across several countries.
• After a year, grant winners will be requested to provide research@esicm.org with a progress report.
• Successful applicants shall be required to submit their primary paper to ICM.

Please note that the most suitable grant category for each application is decided by the Jury and not chosen by the applicant.

Please write to research [ @ ] esicm.org for any questions

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Available Research Grants

Through its research programme, ESICM provides an impetus to research activities among the Society’s members. Facilitating and promoting research is one of the principal objectives of the Society.
The range of grants offered by ESICM covers the entire spectrum of critical care, including but not limited to basic, translational and clinical research, patient and family partnership, digital health and multi-disciplinary care.

ESICM Research Grants of €50K.

There will be 3 ESICM Research Grants of €50K. Members under 40 or in their first 5 years in a permanent academic faculty position are eligible. One of these is dedicated to NEXT members. The Grant money is given in two instalments with €25K per year. These grants are fully funded by ESICM. A progress report is requested after the first year.

ESICM Research Grant of €25K

Members under 40 or in their first 5 years in a permanent academic faculty position are eligible. The is fully funded by ESICM.

Professor Burkhard Lachmann Grant

Projects that are pre-selected for the Basic Science Grant may go forward for consideration for the Professor Burkhard Lachmann grant, with the agreement of the candidate. The Professor Burkhard Lachmann Grant is a grant of €5,000 and is fully funded by the International Foundation for Clinically Oriented Research (IFCOR).

ESICM – Jordi Mancebo – Fisher&Paykel Healthcare SAS Grant

The call for the 2026 ESICM Jordi Mancebo Fisher&Paykel Grant applications is set to open on 1 February. Projects must pertain to physiological or clinical outcomes of less invasive respiratory support in acute respiratory failure. The ESICM 2026 Jordi Mancebo Fisher&Paykel Healthcare SAS grant is €20,000 and is fully funded by Fisher&Paykel Healthcare. Proposals from Europe and beyond are welcome.

ESICM – Fresenius Kabi Clinical Nutrition Research Grant

The project focus is clinical nutrition.

The  ESICM Fresenius Kabi Clinical Nutrition Grant is €20,000 and is fully funded by Fresenius Kabi. The proposals should include at least one country contributing to the design and / or conduct of the project.

ESICM – Getinge ECMO Support Grant

Educational grant supported by Getinge

For intensivists and ICU nurses passionate about ECLS/ECMO, this programme offers advanced training, global networking, and research funding.

Programme highlights:

• Fellowships with bedside teaching at leading academic centres
• Research funding – €20,000 grant + consumables for the top proposal
• Exclusive networking event at LIVES 2026

Eligibility:
Completion of the ECLS/ECMO learning pathway (LIVES workshops recommended) and ESICM membership required. Grant managed by the Education Committee.

Why Apply?

• Hands-on experience
• Global mentorship
• Funded research opportunities