Professor Benjamin Besse becomes President of EORTC

He succeeds Professor Winette van der Graaf after a four-year term.

EORTC held its annual General Assembly on 26 June 2026, introducing Professor Benjamin Besse as EORTC’s new President. He succeeds Prof. Winette van der Graaf, who concludes a distinguished four-year term.

Watch his interview:

Commenting on his appointment, Professor Besse said:

“I am honoured by the trust the Board has placed in me and would like to sincerely thank Winette van der Graaf for her outstanding leadership over the past four years. Her vision and dedication have left a strong legacy and significantly advanced EORTC’s mission. Together, we will continue our work in independent, patient-centred research, improving cancer care across Europe and beyond.”

Following her presidency, Professor Winette van der Graaf assumes the role of Past-President. Reflecting on her continued engagement, she said:

“I look forward to continuing to support EORTC’s European and global collaboration efforts as an ambassador and advisor, strengthening international partnerships and advancing patient-centred, independent cancer research worldwide. I will remain active in rare cancer initiatives and continue championing the integration of patient perspectives into EORTC’s science, methodology and governance, ensuring the patient voice remains central to our work.”

With new leadership in place and continuity ensured through ongoing engagement, EORTC enters its next chapter with a strong foundation to further advance innovative, independent cancer research and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.

View EORTC’s governance.