Are you or someone you know:
- affected by aniridia?
- keen to work better with people to achieve success?
- willing to help enhance the lives of people affected by aniridia?
If “YES”, take part in the European Aniridia Leadership and Collaboration Academy (EALCA) 17-19 April 2026.
Meet and learn from great people
This 3-day academy aims to raise your:
- confidence
- interpersonal skills
- ability to organise people and projects
- knowledge of aniridia.
Practical workshops and inspiring leaders will guide you through developing ideas to benefit you and the aniridia community, in your country and across Europe. You will build connections with a range of professionals from around the world, many of whom have aniridia.
Who we want
Anyone associated with aniridia can apply.
We especially want people aged 18 to 40 in Europe, who are interested in being the next generation of volunteers building a strong, connected and empowered group of: aniridics, relatives, doctors and scientists.
You could be a young adult with little experience, or an older person already involved with an aniridia association, or somewhere in between. We need people with energy and eagerness to step up.
How you will benefit
Taking part will give you skills to progress your career, education or other areas of life, by collaborating with and leading others more effectively.
It will also empower you to aid people affected by aniridia, by volunteering with your national aniridia association or Aniridia Europe.
You will get an academy attendance certificate to show the skills and knowledge you were taught, and your commitment to bettering yourself.
Afterwards, there will be opportunities to get a mentor/coach to push your development further towards meeting your goals.
The plan
You and other protégés will gather in Sofia in Bulgaria to meet the current amazing leaders of European aniridia associations. Together, we will explore how to achieve your ideas and goals. We will scope and plan projects to make a difference to you and others like you.
This academy will run alongside the 8th European Aniridia Conference 17-19 April 2026. It is a scientific event for the best doctors and researchers working on aniridia. You will have the chance to meet them too.
Both events will be in English, but there will be people from dozens of countries there.
Plus, you can explore the vibrant city of Sofia, Bulgaria. Perhaps you could extend your stay to have adventures and soak up the culture?!
That should just be the start. We hope you will continue the team activity once you are back home. Collaborate with your new colleagues to turn your plans into reality and success for everyone.
Testimonial
“It was a terrific experience. The energy in the room was great. Every moment was charged with inspiration, determination and seeing people having travelled from all over the world.
It was such an immersive experience, it reminded me of the importance of empathy and connecting and collaborating with one another.”
Watch or read Haya’s experience of the first academy in 2024.
Costs
Depending on the number of applications, we hope that Aniridia Europe or your national aniridia association may be able pay for your reasonable expenses for taking part in the academy, including for:
- travel
- food
- accommodation
- academy ticket.
You may need to pay for some of these yourself at first and then request reimbursement afterwards.
The finances will be clarified in 2026. You can make a final decision about attending then. Applying to come now, puts no obligation on you.
Eligibility
You must
- be between 18 and 40 years old on 17 April 2026.
- be able to speak and understand English to a good standard
- be able to travel (perhaps on 16 and 20 April) to Sofia for the event on 17- 19 April 2026, and back home (this covers your availability, assistance, health and passport validity for example).
- commit to documenting your academy experience for publication online by Aniridia Europe and perhaps elsewhere.
Apply
To show your interest in this great opportunity:
- Fill in the: European Aniridia Leadership and Collaboration Academy, Expression of Interest form – even if you are not sure yet.
- Write a statement about how the academy will benefit you and the aniridia community (you will get more guidance after expressing interest).
Submit it by 31 December 2025.
The applications and statements will be reviewed by the EALCA organising committee, including:
- Barbara Poli
- Elena Tsoneva
- James Buller
- Katie Atkinson
- Rosa Sánchez de Vega
- Ognian Petkov
In January 2026 they will make recommendations to Aniridia Europe and national aniridia associations about funding academy places. You will then hear the outcome and make any arrangements necessary.
Contact at: ealca-team@aniridia.eu if you have any questions
Take the lead
It is not common to have aniridia so we are looking for ‘rare talent’!
Becoming a leader is both rewarding and exhilarating. It also entails dedication and effort. EALCA will put you on the path to success by expanding your horizons, growing you as an individual and showing you how to make the most of your opportunities….
…. Like this one to come to learn about aniridia, leadership and collaboration!
Your first challenge is to make a successful application. Go!
