We are thrilled to introduce the European Aniridia Leadership Academy (EALA), a groundbreaking initiative brought to you by Aniridia Europe in collaboration with Aniridia Sweden. Our aim is to empower and equip young individuals with aniridia, aged 18 to 30, with the skills and knowledge needed to unlock new career opportunities and enhance their overall quality of life.
What to expect as a academy participant?
Becoming a young leader is both rewarding and exhilarating, but it also demands dedication and hard work. Whether you are looking to advance your studies, kickstart your professional career, enhance your social networks, or simply gain more independence in your daily life, the EALA is here to support your journey. In this leadership program, you will connect with peers facing similar challenges related to aniridia, alongside mentors who have experience in leadership roles. You will gain practical tools that will not only benefit your daily life but also your future endeavors. After the completion of the event, we plan to have opportunities for the academy attendees to connect with mentors to further enhance their personal and professional development. Participants will receive a Certificate of participation in the EALA to be able to show their commitment and gained knowledge. To summarize, the benefits of participating include networking with peers and mentors, gaining practical skills and new knowledge, and the potential for ongoing mentorship and support in your personal and professional growth. So, take the challenge, expand your horizons, grow as an individual, and discover that nothing is impossible. Join the European Aniridia Leadership Academy and pave your own path to success!
Event details
The European Aniridia Leadership Academy (EALA) is set to run concurrently with the European Aniridia Conference (EAC), and the Nordic aniridia meeting, scheduled from May 31st to June 2nd, 2024, in the vibrant city of Stockholm, Sweden.
Application process
We would like to inform all interested parties that there will be an application process first, where European national aniridia associations are eligible to nominate 1 to 2 candidates for the leadership academy. The deadline for applications is January 10th, 2024 and they should be sent to conference2024@aniridi.se with “Application EALA” as a reference in the e-mail subject message. The application should consist of, apart from relevant contact information and a specific contact person, the motivation for why the association believes that their nominee should be selected as well as a personal letter from the candidate explaining their incentive. If sending two nominations from one country, please indicate if possible, the order of priority. Finally, we would like to know how the national association is planning to support their candidate/s if selected.
We encourage national aniridia associations across Europe to carefully identify potential candidates who display dedication and leadership potential. These associations should consider supporting the participation of 1 or 2 deserving individuals in the EALA so that there is a wide range of participation from across Europe.
Registration of selected participants
Short after the deadline for applications has expired; the contact person in the national aniridia association will be notified about if their nominations have been successful. For approved candidates a separate message with confirmation of participation will be sent out to the contact person in the national association who also will be responsible for the registration to the EALA. Please note that there will be a favourable Early-booking price of only 50 EUR until January 31st, 2024. After this date the price is expected to increase.
Accommodation and travel expenses
The national aniridia associations preferably cover the costs for participation in the EALA. In cases where a national aniridia association has identified a suitable candidate but may face challenges covering all associated costs, we encourage you to reach out to Aniridia Europe or the organizers. We are exploring the possibility of providing grants to assist deserving candidates. For your convenience, accommodation costs are estimated to be in the range of 280–330 EUR for a two-night stay in a single room.
Language requirement
Please be aware that the primary language used during the event is English. Participants should feel comfortable communicating in English.
If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at conference2024@aniridi.se. We are here to help and assist in any way we can
