Applications for 2026 will open in due course

The European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP) Colorectal Robotic Surgery Fellowship is designed to provide structured, high-quality training in robotic colorectal surgery for qualified colorectal surgeons with prior experience in either open or laparoscopic approaches.

By the end of the fellowship, the fellow will be expected to competently perform standard robotic colorectal procedures for both benign and malignant disease. These include rectopexy, sigmoidectomy, right colectomy (with or without intracorporeal anastomosis), and low anterior resection.

In addition to operative training, the fellowship provides comprehensive exposure to the theoretical foundations of robotic surgery. This includes patient selection, preoperative diagnostic work-up, perioperative planning, and postoperative follow-up. Fellows will also gain an appreciation of operating room workflow and the human factors unique to the robotic environment, ensuring safe, efficient, and team-based practice.

ESCP has announced the following fellowship opportunities for the 2026 period.

• 4 x six-month fellowships on Colorectal Robotic Surgery

These fellowships are supported by a grant from Intuitive.

Eligibility criteria

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Be a fully paid member of ESCP (i.e. full, trainee etc.) for a minimum of 12 months at the time of application
• Be Board Certified in General Surgery (for example: CCT) for a minimum of five years of experience in higher surgical training
• Be a senior trainee or consultant at an early stage of your career (ideally two years or less as a Consultant)
• Hold a valid license to practice colorectal surgery in the host centre’s country
  • Candidates are responsible for securing all necessary licensing and work permissions
  • Failure to obtain a valid license and work permit within four months will result in forfeiture of the fellowship
• Demonstrate a clear interest in coloproctology, evidenced by clinical practice, teaching, research, or publications
• Provide evidence of basic training in robotic surgery at the time of application, such as:
  • A full simulation certificate from a consultant or trainer, or
  • A certificate from a dedicated (minimum) two-day robotic surgery course
• Fellows must be able to communicate and practice in the native language of the host centre

Fellowship Conditions

• The fellowship start date will be defined by the ESCP
  • The fellowship must commence within 12 months of the award
  • If this is not possible, the fellowship will be forfeited and reassigned to the next candidate on the waiting list

Host Centre Assignment

Host Centres will be assigned by the ESCP team, while every efford will be made to honour preferences, specific placements cannot be guaranteed

Confirmation of placement

• Candidates must confirm acceptance of the assigned host centre within five (5) working days of notification
• Failure to respond within this period will result in forfeiture of the fellowship

Grant Value and Payment

Each fellowship is valued at €24,000 for a six-month period

• The bursary will be paid in six equal instalments. No additional funds will be provided beyond the stated grant amount

Please note: The Fellowship does not include any additional benefits, such as health insurance, social security, tax or personal indemnity cover. These costs are the responsiblity of the fellow

Robotic host centres

• Stay tuned!

Applications

• Applications for 2026 will open in due course
• In order to support your online application, all candidates must provide the following supporting documentation:
  • CV
  • CCT or equivalent status
  • A full simulation certificate from a consultant or trainer, or
    • A certificate from a dedicated (minimum) two-day robotic surgery course
  • Logbook of operating experience focusing on robotic surgery experience
  • Letter of support from the Head of Department/Training Programme Director for the support of the 6-month fellowship placement.
    • The Head of Department should also comment on current access to a robotic platform for the candidate along with the level of robotic surgery training and future access to a robotic platform
• Please send the above documents to the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. within one week of submission of your application

Interviews

• Applicants will have to go through a formal interview process. 
• Please contact the This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions about your application.

Follow Up

• You will be asked to prepare a mandatory written report for the ESCP website to provide an account of your Fellowship experience.
• This report will be published on the ESCP website and made available to Intuitive as primary supporter of this fellowship

Supported by Intuitive Surgical

Read reports from Fellows here >