Press Release
Jul 22, 2026
Full Membership Initiative Removes Financial Barriers for Clinicians, Researchers and Health Professionals in Eligible Low- and Lower-Middle-Income Countries
DENVER, Colo. — [July 23, 2026] — The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) today announced the launch of its new Complimentary IASLC Full Membership for Eligible Countries, a groundbreaking initiative that provides IASLC Membership to eligible healthcare professionals residing in World Bank-designated low-income and lower-middle-income economies.
Approved by the IASLC Board of Directors this Spring, the approach reflects the organization's commitment to ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent clinicians, researchers, nurses, allied health professionals, patient advocates and other healthcare professionals from participating fully in the global thoracic oncology community.
"Lung cancer is a global disease that demands global collaboration," said Karen Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer. "This initiative affirms IASLC's belief that the best ideas and greatest innovations can come from anywhere in the world. By removing financial barriers to membership, we are strengthening our international community and ensuring that talented clinicians and researchers everywhere have access to education, scientific exchange and professional opportunities that advance patient care."
The new initiative provides qualified candidates with the same benefits available through IASLC Full Membership, including:
- Full access to the Journal of Thoracic Oncology (JTO) and JTO Clinical and Research Reports (JTO CRR)
- Educational resources, including LC360, webinars, VIKTOR and IASLC newsletters
- The deepest available member discounts for the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer (WCLC) and IASLC regional conferences
- Access to Thoracic Circle, IASLC's online member community
- Opportunities to collaborate with thoracic oncology professionals worldwide
- Eligibility to serve on committees, vote in IASLC elections and pursue leadership opportunities
- Access to mentorship programs, research funding opportunities, grants and patient advocacy initiatives
The investment supports IASLC's vision of creating a more inclusive global scientific community where geography and financial resources do not limit participation in advancing lung cancer research, education and patient care.
"As One IASLC, we believe progress against thoracic cancers is strongest when every voice has the opportunity to contribute," said Professor Caicun Zhou, President of IASLC. "This initiative expands access to the scientific knowledge, professional development and international collaboration that ultimately improve outcomes for patients around the world."
Individuals residing in eligible World Bank-designated low-income and lower-middle-income economies are invited to apply for complimentary IASLC Full Membership. Eligible countries are determined using the World Bank's annual country income classifications.
Additional information about eligibility and the application process is available at https://www.iaslc.org/complimentary-iaslc-full-membership-eligible-coun…;
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About the IASLC
The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. Founded in 1974, the association's membership includes more than 11,000 lung cancer specialists across all disciplines in over 100 countries, forming a global network working together to conquer lung and thoracic cancers worldwide. The association publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, the primary educational and informational publication for topics relevant to the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of all thoracic malignancies. Visit www.iaslc.org for more information.