Early Career Research Seed Grant

The IHPBA Early Career Research Seed Grant supports emerging HPB surgeons in launching independent, high-quality research. Developed by the IHPBA Early Career Group in collaboration with the Research Committee, and with funding from the IHPBA Foundation, this program provides seed funding of up to $20,000 over two years for clinical, basic, or translational research relevant to HPB surgery.

In addition to financial support, the grant fosters mentorship and collaboration, offering early career surgeons the opportunity to build experience as principal investigators and strengthen their potential to secure future funding. Preference will be given to applicants with limited access to traditional research resources.

Information on future ECG Research Seed Grant opportunities will be announced in 2027.

2025–2026 Early Career Research Seed Grant Recipient

Advancing International Research into Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence and Treatment

Dr Aya Maekawa
Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan, and University of Padova, Italy

Dr Aya Maekawa, MD, PhD, is an HPB surgeon and clinical researcher specialising in pancreatic cancer. Her research examines recurrence patterns, treatment strategies and oncological outcomes following curative-intent resection for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Dr Maekawa leads the POCÉMON studies, a series of international multicentre initiatives investigating early recurrence and real-world management following pancreatectomy. She also coordinates the CLIP Study, an international benchmarking project examining combined liver and pancreas resections, and contributes to collaborative research on intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

The Early Career Research Seed Grant will enable Dr Maekawa to expand international collaboration, strengthen the POCÉMON research platform and generate real-world evidence to inform more individualised treatment strategies. Supported by mentorship from Dr Giovanni Marchegiani and Dr Giampaolo Perri at the University of Padova, the project will also advance her development as an independent investigator in global HPB research.

The IHPBA Early Career Research Seed Grant is made possible through the generous support of the IHPBA Foundation.

Support the Future of HPB Surgery

Please consider making a contribution to the IHPBA Foundation today to support future research grants. Every gift makes a difference. To donate please visit