The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) is an international organisation with several hundred members from over 45 countries whose aim is to promote the highest levels of knowledge, research, education and clinical practice of paediatric endocrinology and metabolism throughout the world.

Founded in 1962, when the first annual scientific meeting was held in Zurich under the Presidency of Andrea Prader, the Society has increased in both size and scope, becoming one of the largest and most leading international scientific communities of paediatric endocrinologists.

Training in paediatric endocrinology is an important priority for the Society. Indeed, ESPE has been officially designated by the European Commission as the body responsible for organising and monitoring training in paediatric endocrinology. To this end, numerous educational programmes are sponsored by ESPE in order to offer the most up-to-date and efficient training in paediatric endocrinology. The Education and Training Committee (ETC) is proactively working to provide structured means of accreditation for Training Centres in Paediatric Endocrinology in Europe. In addition, electronic education and training (CDs and long-distance learning) are among our top priorities in the years to come.

The Clinical Practice Committee (CPC) promotes and fosters Consensus Development with the aim of producing evidence-based clinical guidelines and improving care of children with endocrine diseases.

The ESPE annual scientific meeting, which is held in different European cities and countries, is recognised worldwide as a meeting of high scientific and educational quality. It is currently attended by between 1,500 and 2,000 delegates, but is known for the traditional ESPE values of friendship, collaboration and congeniality. The Programme Organising Committee (POC) coordinates the scientific programme of the Society's annual meetings so as to guarantee and maintain excellent standards.

The Society is dedicated to serve its members and the international scientific community. It is also actively involved in promoting the interests of the general public and in advising on European health policy in the area of paediatric endocrinology. ESPE is committed to welcoming and supporting colleagues and young paediatric endocrinologists from around the world, as well as establishing close relationships with other Scientific Societies.

Franco Chiarelli
Secretary General, ESPE