ESGE-ERBE emPOWER RESEARCH AWARD
ANNOUNCEMENT
Applications for the ESGE–Erbe emPOWER Research Award are closed!
The ESGE–Erbe emPOWER Research Award supports forward-thinking investigators who aim to use digital data to advance endoscopic practice. The initiative encourages scientific and educational projects that integrate data from the Erbe emPOWER application into structured study designs and routine clinical workflows.
By analysing real-world electrosurgical unit (ESU)* data, selected projects should generate measurable improvements in quality, training, procedural consistency, and clinical outcomes.
* The Erbe emPOWER application is currently compatible exclusively with the Erbe VIO 3 device.
SCOPE OF THE AWARD
Are you already using the emPOWER App — or planning to introduce it in your unit?
If you are ready to transform electrosurgical data into actionable insights for improved performance and patient care, this Award is designed for you.
Launched to mark Erbe’s 175th anniversary, this collaboration with ESGE promotes independent research that advances digital innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy.
Eligible projects must demonstrate meaningful integration of data from the Erbe emPOWER application within the study protocol — meaning it is routinely used to collect and analyse electrosurgical data relevant to the research objectives, rather than applied as a one-time or illustrative tool.
Applications are evaluated independently by the ESGE Research Committee, based solely on scientific merit and potential impact. We warmly encourage ESGE members with forward-looking research ideas to apply.
Total Award value: up to €25,000, consisting of:
- A research grant of up to €15,000
- Up to €10,000 in emPOWER software licences
FIND OUT MORE
Find out more about the Erbe emPOWER App:
The Erbe emPOWER App captures and visualises ESU usage data, enabling systematic evaluation of device settings, usage patterns, and procedural performance. This creates new opportunities for benchmarking, quality monitoring, and research-driven optimisation in endoscopy.
* The app is currently available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in: Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, France, Spain, and the UK.
If an applicant or selected research team is based in another country, we will arrange for the app to be released in that country accordingly.
Questions about the App? Please contact:
Misa Kim: | Linked
Alexander Pfäffle: | Linked
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
- Be ESGE Individual Members
- Be affiliated with a recognised medical, academic, or research institution
- Submit a project involving meaningful use of the emPOWER App
Full eligibility criteria are outlined in the Terms and conditions
TIMELINE
- Call opened: February 24, 2026
- Application deadline: March 16, 2026
- Evaluation period March 17 - April 3, 2026
- Notification of selected applicants: Early April 2026
- Award Presentation: ESGE Days 2026 – Spotlight Stage
