Denver – September 16, 2026 -- The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) has launched a Complimentary IASLC Full Membership program for healthcare professionals in World Bank-designated low-income and lower-middle-income economies, eliminating financial barriers to its global thoracic oncology network.
Board approves fee waiver to widen access to research and clinical resources
The IASLC Board of Directors approved the initiative this spring, extending full membership benefits at no cost to clinicians, researchers, nurses, allied health professionals and patient advocates in eligible countries. Eligibility is determined annually using World Bank country income classifications.
Members gain full journal access and conference discounts
Qualified applicants receive complete access to the Journal of Thoracic Oncology and JTO Clinical and Research Reports, alongside educational tools including LC360, webinars, VIKTOR and IASLC newsletters. The program also grants the deepest available member discounts for the IASLC World Conference on Lung Cancer and regional conferences, plus access to the Thoracic Circle online community.
Full voting rights and leadership eligibility included
Recipients can serve on committees, vote in IASLC elections and pursue leadership roles within the organization. The membership also opens access to mentorship programs, research funding, grants and patient advocacy initiatives previously limited by cost barriers.
"Lung cancer is a global disease that demands global collaboration," said Karen Kelly, Chief Executive Officer of IASLC. "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."
IASLC President Professor Caicun Zhou said the initiative reflects the organization's "One IASLC" approach, aiming to ensure progress against thoracic cancers benefits from contributions across all regions.
IASLC counts more than 11,000 members across over 100 countries
Founded in 1974, IASLC publishes the Journal of Thoracic Oncology as its primary platform for research on prevention, detection, diagnosis and treatment of thoracic malignancies. Applications for the new complimentary membership tier are now open for individuals residing in eligible countries.