Frequently asked questions

MedTech is an association of European medical device companies whose members have agreed to adhere to a self-imposed code of ethical business practice. Due to this self-regulating guideline, MedTech member companies no longer provide direct funding to healthcare professionals to attend medical congresses, but can provide educational grants through an indirect scheme.

Please visit EthicalMedTech and their resources section for detailed information.

Please note that the MedTech Code of Ethical Business Practice is a self-regulating guideline which does not supersede EU or national law. Therefore, it is only applicable to MedTech members. Companies which are not MedTech members may still provide direct sponsorship to HCP’s to the extent allowed by national law.

How can I receive travel support to attend a CIRSE congress?

There are two ways to receive educational grant funding:

Educational grants may be allocated to your own institution

According to the new MedTech Code of Ethical Business Practice it is still possible to receive support to attend CIRSE congresses. MedTech member companies can provide restricted educational grants to healthcare organisations (HCOs), such as hospitals and other institutions to support their staff’s congress participation. In this case the healthcare organisation shall identify and select the eligible practitioners and attribute the grants.

Educational grants through a medical society and congress organiser such as CIRSE

Industry partners also provide educational grants to societies or congress organisers such as CIRSE. In this specific occasion CIRSE will contact your institution directly or manage the attribution of educational allowances in the form of an open call for applications.

What shall I do now and how to comply with the indirect educational sponsorship process as a healthcare professional?

Contact your healthcare institution to find out about possibilities and modalities for accessing educational allowances provided by industry partners.

In order not to miss any announcements on open calls for educational grant applications, please activate the important IR related communications in your myCIRSE profile.