Call for expressions of interest to join Future of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology Working Groups

Medical physicists have made considerable contributions to recent advances in radiation oncology. They are key players in the clinical and scientific radiation oncology context due to their unique skill sets, flexibility, clinical involvement and intrinsic translational character. The continuing development and widespread adoption of ‘‘high-tech” radiotherapy has led to an increased need for medical physics involvement. More recently, our field is rapidly changing towards an era of ‘‘precision oncology” and these changes have opened new challenges for the definition of the professional and scientific roles and responsibilities of medical physicists. The ESTRO physics futures group have identified four grand challenges of medical physics in radiation oncology: (1) improving target volume definition, (2) adoption of artificial intelligence and automation, (3) development of predictive models of biological effects for precision medicine, and (4) the need for leadership.  
 
Following the publication of this Grand Challenges for Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology paper (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2020.10.001) the ESTRO Physics Committee would like to set up four working groups to take each of the identified themes forward. 
These themes are: 
 
•    AI in Radiation Oncology  
•    Biological Modelling for Precision Medicine  
•    Target definition transformed from an art to science  
•    Leadership in Medical Physics  
 
Core steering groups have already been set up for each of these themes, who have defined the missions, goals and tasks. The additional information under each theme is available on this link.  
 
We are now looking for additional members of the working groups. If you are interested in joining one of the working groups, please submit a 1 page expression of interest with your: 
full name, email address, which WP you are interested in, your background and experience and how you could contribute to the working party. Email to physics@estro.org  with title of WP you are interested in as subject of the email. 
  
The chairs and core members for each of these themes will review the expressions of interest and invite a selection of applicants to join the working group. Selection will be made based on relevant experience, as well as diversity and inclusivity, to create a balanced and effective working group. 
  
Deadline for submissions is 25 February 2022 
Applicants will be informed by 25 March