Giants of FESSH

We kindly invite all FESSH member National Hand Society to nominate one person who fits the criteria below and your Society wishes him/her to give the honour to be awarded with the FESSH Giant title.

Giants of FESSH

A Giant has 3 or more of the following achievements:

1. Ground breaking Achievements: He or she has introduced new ideas, concepts, or technologies, or have made significant improvements within the field of hand surgery.
2. Research, Publications and Presentations: He or she has conducted research that has contributed to the advancement of knowledge within the field of hand surgery and has documented the work in scientific publications or has shared the ideas and findings through presentations at international conferences and meetings.
3. Influence and Impact and Recognition by Peers: He or she has had a demonstrable impact on the field of hand surgery and have contributed to its growth and development at a national and/or international level, this contribution is recognized and respected by the colleagues and peers.
4. Sustainability: He or she is active over a long period and continues to contribute to the field of hand surgery
5. Mentorship Role: He or she plays a role as mentor for emerging professionals in the field of hand surgery, passing on knowledge and experience to the next generation.
6. Education: He or she is active in organizing and/or providing education to pass on knowledge and experience.
7. Organization: He or she has been a committee member of the national society or FESSH

Criteria

• Age 55 years or older (preferably still in active practice)
• Member of national society
• National Society must be member of FESSH
• Nomination by national society

Format

• Each national society can nominate 1 giant for each FESSH Congress
• Application deadline: 28 February 2026 via the online form here:

The application should contain the nominee’s CV based on the criteria and a short recommendation letter of the board of the national society.

• Award Ceremony during opening ceremony of FESSH Congress
• Award: Certification

Looking forward to your Hand Society’s nomination,

Brigitte van der Heijden
FESSH Secretary General