The European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) is a truly international organisation aiming to promote the highest levels of knowledge, research, education and clinical practice of paediatric endocrinology and metabolism throughout the world.

Paediatric endocrinology is a specialty of children's medicine (paediatrics) caring for babies, children and adolescents with growth, puberty, sexual development problems and other disorders of the hormone producing glands of the body. These include diabetes, thyroid and adrenal gland problems, early and late puberty, and growth hormone deficiency.

Since founded in 1962, when the first annual scientific meeting was held in Zurich, the Society has increased in both size and scope, becoming the leading international scientific community of paediatric endocrinologists.

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. Although currently attended by more than 3,000 delegates, it is still 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.

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.

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 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.

Lars Sävendahl
Secretary General, ESPE